Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel is a significant and widely used Catholic prayer that calls upon St. Michael, the leader of God’s heavenly army, to protect against evil and spiritual harm. It was composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886, inspired by a reported vision of spiritual warfare involving the powers of darkness. This prayer serves as a plea for St. Michael’s intercession in defending the faithful against the forces of Satan and evil spirits, emphasizing God’s ultimate authority and power over all. The prayer is recited by individuals and communities seeking strength, protection, and deliverance during times of spiritual warfare and is still commonly used today as a safeguard in the face of temptation and evil.
St. 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.
