A true friend's prayer

O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O 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. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. 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. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen

Say for nine consecutive mornings for anything you may desire. Be sure you really desire what you pray for because it has seldom been known to fail.

This prayer was found in the fiftieth year of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In 1500's it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle.

Whoever reads this prayer or hears it or carries it, will never die a sudden death, nor be drowned, nor will poison take effect on them. They will not fall into the hands of the enemy nor be burned in any fire, nor will they be defeated in battle.

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Some of them call me in brave moments when their wives or significant others have stepped out. Others send text messages as the alcohol takes effect, growing ever braver and bolder with every round. One leaves me voice messages which are at the same time insulting and possessive and I wonder, how does that work? Everyone acting on their own impulses, some more transparent than others.

They all call themselves brother and me their sister, but really more like the red-headed step child. And I guess, in a sense, we are a kind of family. Dysfunctional and troubled but the job requires that we be as close as kin.

Except for the exception. He gives me prayer cards to tuck into my vest. He made a gift of a key chain that his priest blessed. He tells me about the prayers that he has offered up with me as the beneficiary, gives me advice and is always en route to be my backup. And when I think about it I know that I'm not afraid of failing, but I am terrified of letting him down.

St. Teresa of Avila I ask for your intercession and strength as I walk through the wolf pack. Calm, assertive. Little flower, help me to establish myself as the lone wolf in the specific circumstances where it is warranted. St. Michael inspire my mind more than my feet, help me to remember why I am even there in the first place. Let it be my father's spirit that guides me at each impasse, and not the advice of those ill-informed who have their own selfish desires for my career. Blessed Father I ask for help in carrying out your mission in my small corner of this world. Help me to remember my purpose and the beauty that exists in sacrifice, the sanctity in being hungry.

Nod your head if you are called, too.