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St Michael Prayer
The Prayer to St Michael asks the Archangel for protection in the spiritual struggle against evil and temptation.
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Prayer to St Michael the Archangel
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.
Explore what this prayer meansIn brief
Catholics pray the St Michael Prayer to ask St Michael the Archangel for his intercession and protection against evil. The prayer does not treat Michael as the source of divine power; it explicitly places that power in God.
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What is this prayer?
The St Michael Prayer is a Catholic devotional prayer asking the Archangel Michael to defend Christians in spiritual battle and oppose the activity of evil.
Quick facts
- Associated with
- Pope Leo XIII
- Saint
- St Michael the Archangel
- Purpose
- Protection against evil and temptation
- Feast
- 29 September
- Type
- Devotional prayer of intercession
Why Catholics pray it
Why it matters
Scripture depicts Michael fighting against evil, and Catholic teaching recognises angels as servants of God who assist the Church. Catholics therefore ask St Michael to intercede and help them resist evil while recognising that victory and authority ultimately belong to God.
When to pray
When Catholics use it
The prayer can be used privately at any time, especially during temptation, fear or spiritual struggle. Some Catholic parishes also pray it together after Mass as a devotion, although it is not a required conclusion to the Mass.
Meaning
What the words mean
The prayer uses the language of spiritual battle. It asks Michael for defence while directly acknowledging that the power by which evil is defeated belongs to God.
History
Where this prayer comes from
The familiar short Prayer to St Michael is associated with Pope Leo XIII and the late nineteenth-century Leonine Prayers. Stories claiming to describe a dramatic private vision behind its composition are widely repeated, but the prayer's devotional value does not depend on treating every later origin story as established history.
Scripture
Biblical connections
Revelation 12:7–9
Revelation describes Michael and his angels fighting the dragon, which Christian tradition identifies with Satan.
Jude 9
The Letter of Jude identifies Michael as an archangel and depicts him opposing the devil while appealing to the Lord's authority.
Catholic teaching
Catechism connections
CCC 335
The Catechism describes the Church invoking the assistance of angels and specifically commemorating St Michael among them.
CCC 391–395
The Catechism explains Catholic teaching on the fall of Satan and the other fallen angels while affirming that their power remains limited.
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Common questions
Why do Catholics pray to St Michael?
Catholics ask St Michael for his intercession and assistance because Scripture presents him opposing evil and the Church recognises the ministry of angels.
Does the St Michael Prayer worship an angel?
No. The prayer asks Michael for help but explicitly attributes the decisive power over evil to God.
When should Catholics pray the St Michael Prayer?
It may be prayed at any time, particularly when someone feels tempted, fearful or in need of spiritual protection.
Is the St Michael Prayer part of the Mass?
It is not a required part of the Roman Mass. Some parishes choose to pray it devotionally after Mass has ended.
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