Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

The Shorter version:

"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 through the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen."

The lLnger version:

"O Glorious Archangel Saint Michael,

Prince of the heavenly host,

be our defense in the terrible warfare which we carry on against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, spirits of evil. Come to the aid of man, whom God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. Fight this day the battle of the Lord, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there place for them any longer in Heaven. That cruel, ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with his angels. Behold, this primeval enemy and slayer of men has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay and cast into eternal perdition souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity, and of every vice and iniquity. These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety, with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck, the sheep may be scattered. Arise then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and give them the victory. They venerate thee as their protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as her defense against the malicious powers of hell; to thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that the mercy of the Lord may swiftly overtake us, and apprehend the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and send him bound into the abyss, so that he may no longer seduce the nations. Amen.

Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered ye hostile powers.

The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered, the root of David.

Let thy mercies be upon us, O Lord.

As we have hoped in thee.

O Lord, hear my prayer.

And let my cry come unto thee.

Let us pray.

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon thy holy Name, and as supplicants, we implore thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin Immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious Archangel Saint Michael, thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all the other unclean spirits who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of souls. Amen."

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The Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel has a rich history and significance within the Catholic tradition. It originated in the late 19th century in response to a series of private revelations experienced by Pope Leo XIII.

In 1884, Pope Leo XIII reportedly had a vision in which he witnessed a conversation between God and Satan. During this vision, Satan boasted to God that he could destroy the Church if given enough power and time. In response, God granted Satan increased power for a limited period of time, allowing him to test the faith of humanity.

Deeply disturbed by this vision and its implications for the Church, Pope Leo XIII composed the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel as a plea for divine protection against the forces of evil. He then instructed that the prayer be recited at the end of every Mass throughout the world.

The prayer quickly gained popularity among Catholics and became a widely recognized form of spiritual defense against evil influences. It was seen as a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare, invoking the intercession of Saint Michael, the leader of the heavenly host, against the attacks of the devil and his minions.

Over the years, the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel has remained a cherished part of Catholic devotion, often recited by individuals and communities seeking protection, guidance, and spiritual strength in their daily lives. It continues to be a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle between good and evil and the importance of seeking God's protection and grace in times of spiritual challenge.

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