Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray.

And you, O Prince of the Heavenly Hosts, by the divine power of God, cast Satan into hell and all the evil spirits who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. O glorious Prince Saint Michael, Chief and Commander of the Heavenly Hosts, Guardian of Souls, Vanquisher of Rebellious Spirits, Servant in the House of the Divine King, and our admirable Leader, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue, deliver us from all evil. We turn to you with confidence, and through your gracious protection, enable us to serve God more faithfully each day.

Pray for us, O glorious Saint Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of his promises. Almighty and eternal God, who by an extraordinary act of your goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all, appointed the most glorious Archangel Saint Michael as Prince of your Church, make us worthy, we implore you, to be delivered from all our enemies. May none of them trouble us at the hour of death, but may we be led by him into your holy presence.

We ask this through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source: https://youtu.be/AdyRbLuWbwQ

Pope Leo XIII wrote this well-known “Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel” in 1884. It is a very powerful prayer for deliverance and protection from evil and spiritual warfare.

He wrote it after having a terrifying vision in which he reportedly overheard a conversation between God and Satan. In the vision, Satan boasted that he could destroy the Church within a certain period of time – some accounts say 75 or 100 years – and God allowed him to try. Pope Leo XIII also saw Saint Michael cast Satan and his demons back into Hell.

Deeply shaken by this experience, Pope Leo XIII felt compelled to defend the Church spiritually against demonic forces. He wrote the prayer and mandated that it be recited after every Low Mass throughout the Catholic world as a plea for divine protection. Although the prayer was no longer obligatory after 1964, it remains a popular and powerful Catholic devotion.

The “Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel” is prayed for several key reasons, primarily centered on spiritual protection and guidance in the ongoing battle against evil:

Defense against the Devil and Evil Spirits: This is the most prominent reason. Saint Michael is depicted in Christian tradition, particularly in the Book of Revelation (12:7-9), as the leader of the heavenly armies who casts Satan and his fallen angels out of heaven. Therefore, the prayer invokes his powerful intercession to protect individuals and the Church from the “wickedness and snares of the Devil” and “all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.” It’s a direct appeal for divine reinforcement in spiritual warfare.

Acknowledgement of Spiritual Warfare: The prayer serves as a reminder that there is a real, unseen spiritual battle taking place. It acknowledges the existence of malevolent forces that seek to tempt, deceive, and lead souls away from God. By praying it, believers consciously engage in this spiritual struggle and seek strength to resist temptation and evil influences.

Seeking Inner Strength and Perseverance: Beyond external threats, the prayer also offers a means to seek inner strength. It helps believers to stay on the right path, make good choices, and overcome personal trials and doubts. It’s a prayer for courage to persevere in faith, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Trust in God’s Power and Angelic Protection: While addressed to Saint Michael, the prayer ultimately emphasizes God’s power. The phrase “by the power of God” highlights that Saint Michael’s authority and ability to cast down evil come directly from God. It’s an act of trust in God’s constant presence and the protective role of His angels, who watch over humanity.

Historical Context and Papal Endorsement: Pope Leo XIII, who composed the prayer, did so after a profound vision of demonic attacks on the Church. His intention was to provide a spiritual defense during a time of increasing secularism and challenges to the Church. Later popes, including Saint John Paul II and Pope Francis, have encouraged its continued recitation, recognizing its timeless relevance in confronting spiritual challenges.

In essence, praying the Saint Michael Prayer is an act of faith, seeking heavenly assistance in the daily spiritual combat that all believers face. It’s a powerful invocation for protection, strength, and perseverance in a world where evil is a tangible reality.