ETERNAL GAZE
St. Joseph Novena Day 9
Introductory Prayer
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so prompt, so strong, before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers.
[Mention your request]
Meditation on St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Oh, St. Joseph, my protector, guide me as I meditate on your life and that of Mother Seton. I never weary of contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. Press him in my name and kiss his fine head for me and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
Oh, St. Joseph, turn my gaze heavenward. Mother Seton lived with a focus on eternal life. She knew we were not created for this world, but for heaven. Instead of despairing when she came down with tuberculosis at just 46 years old, Mother Seton was filled with nothing but hope and joy because she knew she was receiving the greatest gift in spending eternity with Jesus and all of the saints.
Oh, St. Joseph, you give me the hope of a happy and peaceful death, for myself and for my loved ones. You died surrounded by the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Son of God. Grant me that same comfort. I desperately pray that everything that is happening is necessary for my salvation and for the salvation of my loved ones.
Closing Prayer
Oh, glorious St. Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you do I raise my heart and hands, to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favor I now implore.
[Mention your request]
Oh, St. Joseph, guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel filled with confidence that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.
Oh, glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of his name, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions.
Oh, glorious St. Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, and charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, father and model through life, that I may merit to die as you did, in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
St. Joseph, my protector, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us.