# Day Three of the Nine‑Day Novena to St. Joseph: The Good Provider
*2020-03-11*

> Bill Young leads the third day of the nine‑day novena to St. Joseph, praying for his providence and then reciting the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

## Opening and Context

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is Thursday, March 12, 2020, and we continue our nine‑day novena to St. Joseph with Day 3, “St. Joseph the Good Provider.” Afterward we will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Day 2 of the Divine Mercy novena. The pandemic has forced many countries to close borders and even suspend the NBA season, reminding us how critical prayer is. Let us consecrate ourselves to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and husband of Mary, and turn to the prayers written by Father Michael Gately for this novena.

## Prayer to St. Joseph

Dear St. Joseph, as the foster father of Jesus, you provided food, shelter, and clothing through the work of your hands. From heaven you continue to intercede for the members of Christ’s Body. As I consecrate myself to you, I ask that you provide for my loved ones: may we always have food, a roof over our heads, and clothing. Help us to be grateful for God’s gifts and not become slaves to material things. Inspire us to be generous to the poor. As my spiritual father, guide me away from useless anxieties and toward a faithful use of my work, money, and possessions, always keeping Jesus first. St. Joseph, good provider, pray for us through your powerful intercession. Amen.

## Chaplet of Divine Mercy

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we begin the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Opening prayer:
“Jesus, source of life, pour forth your mercy upon the whole world. O Font of Life, unending Divine Mercy, involve the whole world. Empty yourself upon us, O Blood and Water, which flow from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of mercy. For us, we trust in you.”

Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed are recited as usual.

On the Our Father beads we pray:
“Eternal Father, I offer you the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as atonement for our sins and for the whole world.”

On each of the ten Hail Mary beads we repeat the Divine Mercy prayer:
“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

We conclude with three invocations:
“Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

Closing prayer:
“Eternal God, whose mercy is endless, look kindly upon us and increase your mercy within us, that in difficult moments we may not despair but submit with confidence to your holy will, which is love and mercy itself. Amen.”

## Divine Mercy Novena – Day 2

Lord Jesus, bring to me the souls of priests and religious, immersing them in your inexhaustible mercy. Strengthen them so they may continue to be channels of your mercy to mankind. Increase your grace in all who are consecrated to your service, that their works may glorify the Father of Mercy. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon these servants, endowing them with your blessings, that they may guide others to salvation with one voice, singing your boundless mercy forever. Amen.

*In times of crisis, entrusting ourselves to St. Joseph’s providence and the mercy of Christ sustains both body and soul.*