The Prayer of St. Michael the Archangel is a short but potent prayer that has been part of the Catholic tradition for more than a century. It’s a prayer that seeks protection against evil and asks for the guidance and strength of St. Michael, the archangel who is often depicted fighting off Satan. In this article, we will delve into the significance, history, and efficacy of this powerful prayer in the life of a Catholic believer.
Who is St. Michael the Archangel?
Before we talk about the prayer itself, it’s essential to understand who St. Michael the Archangel is. Michael is not a saint in the way that humans are—instead, he’s an archangel, which means he’s a high-ranking angel. In Christian belief, angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve Him. Michael’s name means “Who is like God?”, signifying his humility before God and his power against evil.
In the Bible, St. Michael is often depicted as a warrior angel. For instance, in the Book of Revelation, he leads God’s armies against the forces of Satan:
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels” (Revelation 12:7, KJV).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church also mentions Michael’s role, saying he fights against the devil (CCC 391).
The Origin of the Prayer
The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel was penned by Pope Leo XIII in the late 19th century. It’s believed that Pope Leo XIII had a vision of evil forces gathering to destroy the Church, which led him to compose this prayer. It was initially recited after Low Masses, although it isn’t typically part of the Mass today. However, many parishes and individuals continue to recite this prayer for personal protection and to safeguard the Church.
The Prayer Itself
Here is the text of the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer:
“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.”
This prayer, though short, is deeply meaningful. It asks for protection (“defend us in battle”), acknowledges the power of God (“May God rebuke him”), and recognizes the evil that seeks to undo us (“wickedness and snares of the Devil”).
Why Every Catholic Should Know This Prayer
Spiritual Warfare is Real
The concept of spiritual warfare—that is, the battle between good and evil—is a reality recognized by the Church. The Catechism explains, “The whole of man’s history has been the story of dour combat with the powers of evil” (CCC 409).
The Role of Angels
Angels aren’t just cute figures in art; they have a real role to play in our spiritual lives. The Catechism says, “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession” (CCC 336). Knowing and invoking the Prayer to St. Michael is a powerful way to engage in this spiritual combat actively and to seek the aid of our heavenly protectors.
Strengthening Our Faith
Invoking St. Michael’s help not only provides us with protection but also fortifies our faith. Trusting in the power of prayer and the intercession of angels and saints is an affirmation of our belief in the invisible and spiritual realities articulated by the Church.
Is it Mandatory to Pray This Prayer?
While it’s a powerful and efficacious prayer, it is not mandatory for Catholics to recite it. This prayer falls under the category of “popular piety,” which, according to the Catechism, is a commendable practice but not a required one (CCC 1674-1676).
Wrapping Up
The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel is a compelling and potent prayer that addresses the reality of spiritual warfare. It invites Catholics to seek protection against evil through the intercession of St. Michael, who has a Biblically supported role as a warrior against Satan and his minions. Although not a mandatory part of Catholic life, it’s a prayer that every Catholic should know, appreciate, and consider incorporating into their spiritual practices.
By understanding and reciting this prayer, we acknowledge the ongoing battle between good and evil and equip ourselves with a spiritual “sword” to fight alongside St. Michael and the heavenly hosts. Given the challenges we face in our spiritual journey, this prayer can be a lifeline, offering us the protection and strength we need to persevere in faith.
In the words of St. Paul, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11, KJV). The Prayer to St. Michael is a valuable piece of that armor. Amen.