Litany of St. Joseph + Litany of Thanksgiving
The litany of St. Joseph is the last one of the six approved by the Holy See for public recitation. It sums up the qualities that made St. Joseph such an important part of the Holy Family, and gives several examples of his patronage. St. Therese of Avila once mentioned that, although there are many saints who can intercede for us, "Joseph is the one who has great power with God". After all, isn't he the protector of the Universal Church?
When this litany is prayed in public, the congregation responses to the leader are in italics.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us
Saint Joseph, pray for us
Renowned offspring of David, pray for us
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us
Foster-father of the Son of God, pray for us
Diligent protector of Christ, pray for us
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us
Joseph most just, pray for us
Joseph most chaste, pray for us
Joseph most prudent, pray for us
Joseph most strong, pray for us
Joseph most obedient, pray for us
Joseph most faithful, pray for us
Mirror of patience, pray for us
Lover of poverty, pray for us
Model of artisans, pray for us
Glory of home life, pray for us
Guardian of virgins, pray for us
Pillar of families, pray for us
Solace of the wretched, pray for us
Hope of the sick, pray for us
Patron of the dying, pray for us
Terror of demons, pray for us
Protector of Holy Church, pray for us
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
V. He made him the lord of His house:
R. And ruler of all His substance.
Let us pray.
O God, who in Thine unspeakable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thine own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may deserve to have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom we reverence as our defender on earth: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Since Thanksgiving is this upcoming Thursday for those of us who live in the US, I'm sharing the litany of Thanksgiving as well. It's the perfect addition to the prayer routine of this day:
Father, you bless us with the gift of life.
Father, we give you thanks.
You give us your Son as our Saviour.
Father, we give you thanks.
you teach us his word of life.
Father, we give you thanks.
You make us your holy people.
Father, we give you thanks.
You cleanse us from our sins.
Father, we give you thanks.
You give us Mary as our mother and our model.
Father, we give you thanks.
You invite us to love you by loving others.
Father, we give you thanks.
You give us talents and gifts to use for your glory.
Father, we give you thanks.
You help us to do good works for you.
Father, we give you thanks.
You nourish us with the bread of life.
Father, we give you thanks.
You give us the cup of salvation.
Father, we give you thanks.
You have given us your Spirit.
Father, we give you thanks.
You promise us the joys of heaven.
Father, we give you thanks.
You call us to sing your praises forever.
Father, we give you thanks.
Beloved God,
you have given us all grace and life
through the hands of Christ our Saviour.
With Jesus, we bless Your Name.
With Him we thank You.
With Christ our Lord, we pray to You:
Our Father, in Heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name,
Your Kingdom come,
Your will be done, on earth as in Heaven,
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Picture: The Holy Family, by Joseph Paelinck - CC0 Public Domain.
Thank you! 11 people prayed
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Col 4:6