The prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel is one of the most powerful and beloved prayers of protection in the Catholic tradition. Invoked in moments of fear, temptation, or danger, it asks for the shelter of the prince of the heavenly hosts, the angel who defeated evil. In this article, you will find the complete text of the prayer, its history, its meaning, and how to honor Saint Michael in your home.
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel — full text
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.
Who is Saint Michael the Archangel?
Saint Michael—whose name in Hebrew means "Who is like God?"—is one of the three archangels named in the Holy Scriptures, along with Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael. In the Book of Revelation, he is described as leading the angels in the battle against the dragon, a symbol of evil. For this reason, he is always depicted in armor, with a sword or spear, defeating the devil beneath his feet.
The Church venerates him as the patron of protection, of soldiers, of the sick, and of the dying. His feast day is celebrated on September 29, along with the archangels Gabriel and Raphael.
The meaning and origin of the prayer
The most well-known prayer to Saint Michael was composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886. According to tradition, the Pope had a vision of the trials the Church would face and wrote this prayer to invoke the archangel's defense. For decades, it was recited at the end of every Mass, and today, millions of the faithful pray it daily as a spiritual shield against evil and temptation.
When and how to pray to Saint Michael the Archangel?
- At the start of the day: to entrust your day and ask for protection.
- In moments of fear or temptation: when you feel you need spiritual strength.
- At night: as a shelter before resting, for your family and your home.
- Before an image of the archangel: having a representation of Saint Michael helps focus your prayer and create a place of devotion at home.
Honor Saint Michael in your home
Having an image of Saint Michael the Archangel at home is a beautiful way to keep his protection alive. The wooden sculpture of Saint Michael the Archangel and the icon of Saint Michael in sacred relief art are pieces carved with devotion, ideal for presiding over a home altar, the entryway of the home, or a prayer corner. If you prefer a figure for a shelf or table, the sculpture of Saint Michael, symbol of protection and faith brings the strength of the archangel to any space.
These pieces are part of our Sacred Wooden Art collection and our Religious Decoration collection, designed to bring the sacred into every corner of your home.
Saint Michael and spiritual protection
Devotion to Saint Michael is lived in the company of other devotions of protection, such as that of Saint Benedict. Both are invoked as a defense against evil, and many of the faithful unite them in their prayer life. If you are looking to create a space of faith at home, our guide on religious images for the home may help you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel for?
It is a prayer of spiritual protection. It is recited to ask for defense against evil, temptations, and dangers, invoking Saint Michael as a shelter for the soul and the home.
When should one pray to Saint Michael?
It can be prayed at any time, especially at the start of the day, in moments of fear or temptation, and at night. His liturgical feast is September 29.
Where should one place an image of Saint Michael at home?
It is usually placed at the entrance of the home as a guardian, on a home altar, or in a prayer corner. The important thing is that it be a visible and worthy place where you can stop to pray.
Who wrote the prayer to Saint Michael?
The most widely spread prayer was composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 and was recited for a long time at the end of Mass.
May Saint Michael defend you in battle
Praying to Saint Michael the Archangel is to place yourself under the protection of the bravest of the angels. Bring his strength into your home with an image carved with devotion from our Sacred Wooden Art collection, and may his shield accompany you each day.