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Guardian Angel Prayer
The Guardian Angel Prayer asks the angel entrusted with our care to protect, enlighten and guide us toward God.
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Angel of God
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
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“Angel of God, my guardian dear”
Catholic tradition holds that God's providence includes the care of angels. The prayer addresses the angel entrusted with this guardianship.
“To whom God's love commits me here”
The angel's care is understood as coming from God. The angel is a servant of divine providence, not an independent spiritual power.
“Ever this day be at my side”
We ask for continuing help and protection as we live the ordinary responsibilities of the day.
“To light and guard, to rule and guide”
The four verbs ask for help in understanding what is good, protection from danger, self-discipline and guidance toward God.
In brief
Catholics pray to their guardian angel because the Church teaches that human life is accompanied by the care and intercession of angels, who are creatures and servants of God rather than gods themselves.
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What is this prayer?
The Guardian Angel Prayer, often known by its opening words Angel of God, is a traditional Catholic prayer asking for the assistance of the guardian angel whom Christian tradition understands as a protector and guide.
Quick facts
- Traditional name
- Angel of God
- Latin name
- Angele Dei
- Type
- Prayer for angelic protection and guidance
- Catholic teaching
- Guardian angels
- Common use
- Morning, night and moments of danger
Why Catholics pray it
Why it matters
Catholics believe angels serve God and take part in His providential care for humanity. Asking a guardian angel for help therefore does not replace trust in God; it recognises the angel as God's servant.
When to pray
When Catholics use it
Many Catholics learn the Guardian Angel Prayer as children. It can be prayed in the morning, before sleep, before travelling, during danger or whenever someone wants to ask for angelic protection and guidance.
Meaning
What the words mean
The prayer asks the guardian angel to enlighten the mind, protect from danger, guide choices and help the person remain directed toward God.
History
Where this prayer comes from
The Latin prayer Angele Dei belongs to the longstanding devotional tradition of the Western Church. Devotion to guardian angels reflects an even older Christian belief in the ministry and protection of angels.
Scripture
Biblical connections
Matthew 18:10
Jesus speaks of angels who continually behold the face of the Father, a key biblical text associated with belief in guardian angels.
Psalm 91:11
The Psalm speaks of God commanding His angels to guard His people in their ways.
Catholic teaching
Catechism connections
CCC 335
The Catechism explains that the Church invokes the assistance of angels and celebrates particular angels in her liturgy.
CCC 336
The Catechism teaches that human life is surrounded by the watchful care and intercession of angels from its beginning until death.
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Common questions
Do Catholics believe everyone has a guardian angel?
Catholic tradition strongly affirms the protective ministry of guardian angels. The Catechism teaches that human life is surrounded by their care and intercession.
Are Catholics worshipping angels when they pray to them?
No. Angels are creatures who serve God. Catholics may ask for their assistance, but worship belongs to God alone.
When should I pray the Guardian Angel Prayer?
There is no required time. Many Catholics pray it in the morning or at night, while others use it when travelling, facing danger or asking for guidance.
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