Introduction
Lent is a powerful time in the Christian calendar, a season where the faithful prepare for the remembrance of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection. During these 40 days, we engage in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as a means to draw closer to God. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter spiritual obstacles during this period, sometimes even evil influences that might derail us from our Lenten journey.
In such times, prayer is our most potent weapon. The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of prayers and spiritual practices to ward off evil and draw closer to God. In this article, we’ll look at why and how you should invoke the powerful St. Michael the Archangel prayer when evil comes your way during Lent.
The Reality of Evil
Firstly, let’s establish that evil is real. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Behind the disobedient choice of our first parents lurks a seductive voice, opposed to God, which makes them fall into death out of envy. Scripture and the Church’s Tradition see in this being a fallen angel, called ‘Satan’ or the ‘devil.'” (CCC 391). So, yes, evil exists, and it is a force that actively works against our good.
The Role of Prayer in Combatting Evil
Prayer is more than just asking God for things; it’s an act of communicating with God, aligning ourselves with His will, and drawing spiritual strength from Him. Jesus Himself, when teaching the disciples to pray, included a plea for deliverance from evil in the Lord’s Prayer: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13).
St. Michael the Archangel: A Powerful Intercessor
St. Michael the Archangel is a powerful intercessor against evil. He is the archangel who fought against Satan and his minions and hurled them into Hell, as described in the book of Revelation: “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels” (Revelation 12:7).
The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
One of the most effective ways to seek St. Michael’s intercession is through the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel:
“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.”
The prayer is a powerful invocation that has been encouraged by the Church as a means to seek protection and combat evil.
Why This Prayer is Especially Relevant During Lent
During Lent, we engage in activities designed to deepen our relationship with God and cleanse our souls. This heightened spiritual activity often means that we might find ourselves in spiritual warfare. Evil forces perceive the transformation and sanctification we’re undergoing, and they seek to disrupt it. The St. Michael prayer is a potent tool during Lent for these reasons:
- Spiritual Warfare: Lent is a time of increased spiritual activities, and the enemy is more prone to attack us during this period.
- Preparation for Easter: As we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, the prayer helps us to overcome obstacles that may stand in our way.
When to Say the Prayer
While you can say this prayer at any time you feel spiritually attacked or vulnerable, many find it helpful to incorporate it into their daily prayer routine during Lent. Some specific instances when you might want to invoke St. Michael include:
- When you’re tempted to break your Lenten fast
- When you feel spiritually dry or distant from God
- When you’re facing challenges that make it difficult to fulfill your Lenten obligations
Summary and Conclusion
Prayer is a vital part of our spiritual life, and during Lent, it takes on a unique urgency. Evil is real, as affirmed by the Church, but we have resources to combat it. St. Michael the Archangel, through his powerful intercessory prayer, provides us a means to ward off evil, especially during the Lenten season.
Incorporate this prayer into your Lenten practice. Seek the protection and guidance of St. Michael, and you’ll find yourself better equipped to face the challenges that come your way as you prepare for Easter. Like St. Paul says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). With St. Michael and the host of heaven on our side, we can confidently move forward in our Lenten journey toward Easter. Amen.