The St. Michael Prayer
The short prayer asking St. Michael to protect us from evil. It is attributed to Pope Leo XIII, and many Catholics pray it every day: in the morning, after Mass or before sleep.
The prayer
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 hosts, 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.
Where it comes from
In 1886, Pope Leo XIII asked for it to be prayed at the end of every Low Mass, along with other prayers. It was prayed that way around the world until 1964.
In 1994, St. John Paul II asked Catholics not to forget it and to pray it as a help in the spiritual battle. In 2018, Pope Francis asked for it to be prayed every day of October, at the end of the Rosary.
Who is St. Michael?
St. Michael is one of the three archangels named in the Bible, with Gabriel and Raphael. His name means “Who is like God?” He appears in the Book of Daniel (10:13 and 12:1), the Letter of Jude (Jude 9) and Revelation (12:7), where he defeats the dragon. The Church celebrates the three archangels on September 29.
When to pray it
Any time: as the day begins, after Mass, before sleep or in temptation. Many parishes pray it together after Mass.
For a longer prayer, pray the Chaplet of St. Michael. Praying with children? Listen together to the St. Michael prayer with audio.
On the angels and what the Church teaches, Rosal explains it for families: guardian angels: who they are and what they do.