The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel is a Catholic prayer asking for the intercession of St. Michael against evil. It is a powerful tool for invoking the protection and guidance of the archangel St. Michael, who is considered the leader of the angelic armies of God.
The prayer is as follows:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
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Origins of the prayer
The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel was composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1884, after he had a vision of the dangers of Satan and evil spirits and felt the need for protection for the Church and humanity. It was originally included in the Leonine Prayers, which were recited after Low Mass in Catholic churches worldwide until Vatican Council II.
Although it’s not considered an official liturgical prayer, it’s still a powerful private devotion and is commonly used by individuals and groups as a means of spiritual protection.
About St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel is a figure in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. He is considered one of the archangels, a class of angels who are believed to be closer to God than other angels and have special responsibilities.
St. Michael in Christianity
In Christianity, St. Michael is regarded as the leader of God’s army of angels and the protector of the Church. He is often depicted holding a sword or a spear, symbolizing his role as a warrior of God.
He is considered to be the patron saint of soldiers, paramedics, and police officers. He is also invoked for protection against evil and for deliverance from temptation.
The Book of Revelation in the New Testament describes Michael as “one of the chief princes” and as leading God’s army against Satan’s forces during his rebellion in heaven. He’s also mentioned in the Book of Daniel, where Michael is described as a “great prince who has charge of your people”.
St. Michael in the Catholic Church
St. Michael is one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church and has a special place in the church’s liturgy, devotion, and culture. He is venerated as the protector of the Church, the guardian of the souls of the faithful and the defender of the Church against the power of Satan.
St. Michael is also invoked as the patron saint of the sick, the dying, and the souls in purgatory.
The uses of the prayer today
The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel is still widely used today as a means of spiritual protection and as a powerful private devotion. While it is no longer recited after Low Mass in Catholic churches worldwide as it was before, it is still recited by some laypeople, religious communities, and dioceses.
- Protection against evil: The prayer is primarily used as a means of spiritual protection and deliverance from evil. It is invoked to ask for God’s protection and to seek the aid of St. Michael in overcoming the influence of evil in the world.
- Daily devotion: Many Catholics recite the prayer as part of their daily devotion and it is often recited at the end of the Rosary.
- Private recitation: The prayer is also commonly recited privately in times of need, such as before bed, before starting a journey, or when facing difficult situations.
- In Religious services: The prayer to St. Michael is recited during certain religious services such as exorcisms, or during other events where spiritual protection is needed, such as retreats, youth gatherings, and other prayer events.
- As part of the Litany of Saint Michael: It is also commonly used as part of the Litany of Saint Michael, a series of invocations to St. Michael and other saints for protection and deliverance from evil.
- Protection of the Church: The prayer is often recited to ask for the protection of the Church, the guardian of the souls of the faithful, and the defender of the Church against the power of Satan.
- Protection of the sick, the dying and the souls in purgatory: St Michael is venerated as the patron saint of the sick, the dying, and the souls in purgatory and the prayer is often recited for their protection and deliverance.
- Protection for soldiers, paramedics and police officers: St Michael is considered the patron saint of soldiers, paramedics, and police officers and the prayer is often recited for their protection.
Conclusion
The prayer to St. Michael the Archangel has a long and rich history in the Catholic Church, and is a powerful tool for invoking the protection and guidance of this powerful angel.
Whether you are facing personal challenges or simply looking for a deeper connection with the spiritual realm, this prayer is a powerful and meaningful way to connect with the divine.
