Saint Joseph, Advocate and Defender

We began praying the novena to Saint Joseph this evening after Compline. Here is another version of one of the novena prayers to Saint Joseph, suitable for everyone:

Saint Joseph,
I take you this day as my advocate and defender,
my counselor and my friend.
Open your heart to me
as you opened your home to the Virgin Mother
in her hour of need.
Protect my vocation
as you protected the life of the Infant Christ
threatened by cruel Herod.
In darkness bring me light;
in weakness, strength,
and in fear the peace that passes understanding.
For the sake of the tender love that bound you
to the Virgin Mary and the Infant Christ,
be for me, Saint Joseph, a constant intercessor
and a shield against every danger of body, mind, and soul
so that, in spite of my weaknesses and sins,
my life here may bring glory to Christ
and serve to increase the beauty of holiness
in his bride the Church.
Amen.