The Novena is composed of four simple parts. The first is the Introductory Prayer, which is said at the beginning of the Novena:
 

O Great Saint Joseph, prostrate at thy feet, with feelings of unlimited confidence, I beg thee to bless the Novena that I begin in thy honor.  I will meditate upon thy virtues; grant that I may learn fully to appreciate them.  The knowledge of them will be the source of great confusion for me because of the poverty and destitution of my soul.

Great dispenser of the heavenly treasures, assist me in my poverty, help me to display thy virtues in my own soul.  “Thou art never invoked in vain,” says the seraphic Theresa of Jesus; be thou to me what thou hast been to that Spouse of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; graciously hearken to me as thou didst hearken to her.
Amen

After the Introductory Prayer, a brief Reflection on one of St. Joseph's many virues is offered. Each day reflects on a different one of St. Joseph's virtues; for example, St. Joseph's patience:
 

Consider how Joseph suffered in his lifetime. He tasted, indeed, ineffable consolations, but he also endured much suffering. In contrast with the glories of his fallen family, his life was a life of labor and self-denial. What did he not have to suffer, especially after the Incarnation of the Son of God? It is verily Joseph who experienced that wherever Jesus enters, He comes with His Cross and His Crown of Thorns. He suffers in perfect conformity with the Divine Will. Joseph renews his courage in the hope of eternal joys and treasures, in the examples of patience which are given him by Jesus and Mary. Thus, whatever may be his trials they cannot trouble the peace of his soul.

After the Reflection, a simple Prayer is read, to invoke the intercession of St. Joseph for assistance in cultivating the virtue meditated upon in the Reflection. On Day 3, for example, we ask St. Joseph for his assistance in cultivating the virtue of charity:

Blessed Saint, enkindle in my cold heart a spark of thy charity. May God be always the first and only object of my affections.  Keep my soul always in sanctifying peace, and, if I should be so unhappy as to lose it, give me the strength to recover it immediately by a sincere repentance.

Grant me such a love of my God as will always keep me united to Him, and will be the principle and motive of all my actions. Grant me a generous love that will make me overcome all obstacles, and accept the greatest sacrifices rather than separate myself from the charity of my God.
Amen

After the Reflection Prayer, the Litany of St. Joseph is recited. This Litany offers a daily opportunity to learn and reflect upon the many titles and roles that this blessed saint has in the Church, including:

• Light of Patriarchs

• Mirror of Patience

• Model of Laborers

• Pillar of Families

• Terror of Demons

• Guardian of the Church