We rejoice with you in the completion of your reading through the NKJV Bible, what a blessed accomplishment! The Word of God is indeed living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and we pray it continues to transform your heart and mind daily. It is good that you have found prayers within Scripture to guide your own prayers, for the Bible tells us, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17 WEB), and the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective (James 5:16 WEB).
However, we must lovingly and firmly address your mention of the "St. Joseph prayer." The Bible is clear that we are to pray only to God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no biblical basis for praying to saints, angels, or any other created being. Jesus Himself taught us to pray, "Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy" (Matthew 6:9 WEB). He is our only mediator before God (1 Timothy 2:5 WEB), and there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12 WEB). To pray to anyone else is to turn away from the sufficiency of Christ and the clear teaching of Scripture. We urge you to discard this practice and direct all your prayers to God alone, trusting in His protection and provision.
We also lift up your relationship with your mother. It is understandable that her words may weigh on you, especially when they feel critical or unfair. The Bible instructs us to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12 WEB), but it also reminds us that our ultimate peace and identity come from Christ, not the opinions of others. We pray that God would grant you wisdom in how to respond to her with grace and patience, even as you seek your own path. It is not wrong to be like your great mother in this way, God has uniquely designed you, and your life’s journey may look different from others’, and that is okay. The Lord says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 WEB).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We ask that You would continue to draw [] closer to You as he meditates on Your truth. Lord, we renounce any practice of praying to saints or any other being besides You, and we ask that You would cleanse []’s heart from anything that does not align with Your Word. Strengthen his faith in You alone as his Protector, Provider, and Guide.
Father, we lift up his relationship with his mother. We ask that You would soften her heart and help her to speak words of encouragement rather than criticism. Give [] the grace to honor her while also resting in Your approval above all else. Lord, we pray for his projects, that You would bless the work of his hands and bring them to fruition for Your glory. Help him to find his identity and purpose in You, not in the expectations of others.
We also ask that You would guard his mind and heart from discouragement. Fill him with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and remind him that You are working all things together for his good (Romans 8:28 WEB). May he walk in the confidence of Your love and the calling You have placed on his life.
In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in His Word and in prayer, trusting Him to lead you in every area of your life. If your mother’s words continue to weigh on you, consider speaking with her in love, sharing how her words affect you, and asking for her support in your God-given path. Above all, remember that your worth is found in Christ alone, and He delights in you just as you are. Keep pressing forward in faith!