Spiritual Warfare & Protection
Prayer to Saint Michael
A traditional Catholic appeal for the Archangel's protection and assistance
Start Here
This familiar prayer asks Saint Michael the Archangel to defend the faithful in spiritual battle and to intercede against the malice and snares of the devil. It keeps the final authority where it belongs: with God.
The Prayer
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection 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, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Important Catholic Boundary
This devotional prayer invokes Saint Michael and asks God to act. It does not authorize a layperson to conduct an exorcism, interrogate spirits, or address suspected spirits with commands of his or her own.
Why Catholics Ask Saint Michael's Help
Scripture presents Michael as a heavenly prince who contends for God’s people. Catholic devotion asks his intercession without confusing an angel with God: every grace and every victory comes from the Lord.
The prayer is especially suitable after Mass where local custom permits, at the end of a family prayer time, or whenever a person needs courage to reject temptation.
How to Pray It Well
- Pray slowly and humbly, without trying to generate fear or intensity.
- Join the prayer to a concrete decision against sin.
- Remember that Christian protection is lived through grace, truth, charity, and the sacraments.
A Catholic Practice Plan
Pray this once each day for nine days for a person, family, parish, or situation in need of protection, and add one work of mercy.
Sources and Editorial Notes
This page is self-contained. These open sources are supplied for verification and deeper study.
- EWTN: Prayer to Saint Michael
Accessible devotional reference and historical context. - Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy
Official principles for devotions in harmony with Scripture and the sacred liturgy. - Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1667–1673: Sacramentals and Exorcism
Official Vatican text; includes the Church's distinction between exorcism and illness.
The traditional prayer is reproduced as established Catholic devotional text. Commentary is original to CatholicG33k.