St Michael the Archangel Prayer for Protection and Defense
The traditional prayer to the leader of the heavenly armies, with a personal petition
Morning Prayer editorial team · Updated: November 2026
Pope Leo XIII composed this prayer in 1886, and for decades it was said after every Mass. Pray it when you sense temptation, fear, or evil closing in, and then add your own request.
Let us pray
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.
Saint Michael, I ask you to stand guard over me today. You know the battles I face, some of them obvious and some of them hidden even from me: the temptation I keep returning to, the discouragement that whispers that nothing will change, the fear that keeps me from doing what God asks.
Defend my family. Stand at the door of our home and let nothing enter that would harm our faith, our unity, or our peace. Protect our children from influences we cannot see. Protect our marriage from the slow erosion of neglect.
Defend the Church. Protect priests from scandal and discouragement, and protect the faithful from division and confusion.
Great archangel, you asked the question that gave you your name: Who is like God? Help me to ask it too, whenever I am tempted to put something else in His place. Lead me in the fight, and bring me safely to the side of the Lord you serve. Amen.
Blessing
May Saint Michael defend you in every battle and bring you safely to the peace of God.
How to pray this prayer
- Find a quiet moment and breathe slowly.
- Read the prayer aloud or in your heart.
- Add your own intention before the Amen.
Frequently asked questions
Why do Catholics pray to Saint Michael?
Scripture names Michael as the archangel who fights against Satan. Catholics ask him to defend them against spiritual harm, just as they ask other saints to pray for them.
When is the Saint Michael prayer usually said?
Many parishes pray it after Mass. Individuals pray it in the morning, during temptation, or whenever they feel spiritually threatened. The feast of Saint Michael is September 29.
Is Saint Michael a saint or an angel?
He is an angel, but the Church gives him the title saint, meaning holy one. He is one of the three archangels named in Scripture, with Gabriel and Raphael.
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