Morris ClarkAccording to Sacred Scripture and the teachings of Holy Mother Church, Saint Michael the Archangel stands as the greatest defender of God’s people and the commander of the heavenly hosts. His very name, “Michael,” poses the rhetorical question, “Who is like God?”—a battle cry against the pride of Satan and all evil spirits. In the Book of Revelation, it is written that “Michael and his angels fought against the dragon,” casting Satan from heaven.
Saint Michael appeared to Moses in the burning bush, stayed the hand of Abraham when he would have sacrificed Isaac, and protected the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. He is the patron of the dying, the defender of Holy Church, and the champion of God’s justice. The Archangel Michael weighs souls at the particular judgment and guards the gates of Paradise. Throughout Christian tradition, he has appeared at times of great peril to defend the faithful and vanquish the forces of darkness.
The Mission of Saint Michael
Saint Michael serves a threefold office in the divine economy: he is the warrior who defeats Satan and the demons, the guardian who protects the Church Militant, and the escort of souls to their eternal destiny. The liturgical calendar celebrates the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels on September 29th, though in former times Saint Michael was honored with special veneration on May 8th as well, commemorating his apparition at Monte Gargano.
Saint Michael appeared to Pope Saint Gregory the Great, sheathing his sword atop Hadrian’s Mausoleum as a sign that a plague devastating Rome had ended. He revealed himself to Saint Joan of Arc, commanding her to save France. In every age, the Church has invoked this mighty prince of heaven in times of spiritual warfare and temporal danger.
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Attributes and Patronage of the Archangel
Saint Michael is depicted in sacred art bearing a sword or spear, trampling the serpent beneath his feet, often holding scales to weigh souls. He is clothed in the armor of light, radiant with the glory of one who beholds the face of God. The faithful invoke him as patron of soldiers, police officers, paramedics, and all who defend the innocent.
He is also the protector of grocers, mariners, and the sick, and patron of a holy death. Churches and high places throughout Christendom are consecrated to his honor, for he is the guardian of sacred spaces and the defender of orthodoxy against heresy.
Prayers for Saint Michael’s Protection and Intercession
Prayer to Saint Michael for Defense
O most glorious Prince of the Heavenly Armies, Saint Michael the Archangel, defender of the children of God, we fly to thy protection in our hour of need. Thou who didst cast down the proud Lucifer and his rebel legions, shield us from the snares and wickedness of the devil. By thy mighty intercession, safeguard us from all perils of soul and body. Drive far from us the ancient enemy and all malicious spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Grant us the courage to resist temptation, the strength to persevere in virtue, and the wisdom to choose always what is pleasing to Almighty God. Be our defender in the hour of trial, our champion in every battle, that we may stand firm in faith and be found worthy of everlasting life. Amen.
Saint Michael Prayer for Spiritual Combat
Valiant warrior of the Most High, Saint Michael the Archangel, captain of the celestial legions, thou art terrible to the demons and glorious in the sight of the angels. We implore thy powerful aid against the adversaries of our salvation. As thou didst vanquish the dragon in the great battle of heaven, so now do thou subdue the enemies of our souls who seek to drag us into perdition. Gird us with divine armor that we may withstand the assaults of the evil one. Illuminate our minds with holy understanding, fortify our wills against corruption, and guard our hearts from all uncleanness. Be unto us a tower of strength against the face of the enemy. I particularly beseech thee for the grace of (here mention your special intention), that through thy merits and mediation, I may serve God faithfully all the days of my life and attain the crown of righteousness which the Lord has prepared for them that love Him. Amen.
Prayer Before Spiritual Undertaking
Blessed Saint Michael, prince of the seraphim and standard-bearer of the Almighty, thou who art swift to execute the commands of God, hear the petition of thy unworthy servant. As I embark upon (mention your undertaking), I entrust myself to thy care and keeping. Let no evil befall me, no deception cloud my judgment, no snare of the devil impede my path. Guide my steps in righteousness, preserve me from all harm, and lead me safely to accomplish that which is according to God’s most holy will. May all my works begin with thy assistance, continue with thy guidance, and be completed to the greater glory of God. Amen.
Prayer for Deliverance from Evil
Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Angels and Star of the Sea, we beseech thee to send us thy faithful servant, the Archangel Saint Michael, that he may deliver us from every bondage of sin and protect us from the machinations of the wicked one in the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST our Lord. May Saint Michael bind all evil spirits that afflict us and cast them into the abyss, never more to trouble the children of God. Saint Michael, defender of the faithful, be our shield and our stronghold in every danger. O champion of heaven, pray for us that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ! Amen.
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NOVENA TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
(To be prayed for nine consecutive days or nine hours in succession)
Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be…
O most mighty Prince of the Heavenly Hosts, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend ______________ in battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Recite one Glory Be…
Come to the assistance of ______________, whom God has created to His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of Satan. Holy Church venerates thee as her guardian and protector. The Lord has entrusted to thee the task of leading souls to heaven. Beseech the God of Peace to crush Satan beneath the feet of ______________, that he/she may no longer hold captive those whom the Lord has redeemed by His Precious Blood, nor do injury to the Church.
Recite one Glory Be…
Present our prayers before the throne of the Most High, that the mercies of the Lord may speedily come to our aid. Lay hold of the dragon, the ancient serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and cast him bound into the bottomless pit, that he may no longer seduce ______________.
Recite one Glory Be…
Saint Michael, of the nine choirs of angels art thou the greatest in might and majesty, terrible in battle, yet gentle to the servants of God. Thou who didst contend with the devil over the body of Moses, and who didst dispute with the prince of Persia, fight now on behalf of ______________. Obtain for him/her the graces of fortitude, perseverance, and final perseverance, that dying in the state of grace, he/she may be welcomed into the Paradise of God, where thou dost eternally guard the Tree of Life.
May God in His infinite mercy hear this prayer for His honor and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Morris Clark