Prayers to the Holy Angels
The following are traditional prayers to the Holy Angels, who are pure spirits created by God to be His servants and messengers. They behold the face of the Father in heaven, and are sent to minister to us, who are heirs of salvation.
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
Composed by Pope Leo XIII
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.
Prayer to Saint Gabriel the Archangel
O blessed Archangel Gabriel, we beseech thee, do thou who didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, and art called the messenger of God, intercede for us with our Lord, that we may receive the fruits of His redemption, and that we may praise Him with thee and all the angels for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer to Saint Raphael the Archangel
O glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, illustrious for thy gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of those who journey by land or sea, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners; I beg thee, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as thou didst assist the young Tobias on his travels. Because thou art the “medicine of God,” I humbly pray thee to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of thee the favor of (here mention your request) and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Prayer to one’s Guardian Angel
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
A General Prayer to All the Holy Angels
O holy Angels, who are the guardians of our souls and bodies, who watch over us at all times with a most tender and loving care; we render you most humble thanks for the many benefits you have conferred upon us. We conjure you, O amiable guides, to continue your charitable care and to defend us against all the assaults of our enemies, that we may be so happy as to enter into the possession of eternal glory. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Contexte Historique
The veneration of Angels is an ancient practice in the Catholic Church, rooted in Sacred Scripture. Angels are understood as pure, spiritual beings created by God to serve as His messengers and to minister to humanity. The Council of Trent affirmed their existence and the licitness of invoking them. Catholic devotion distinguishes among the nine choirs of angels and gives special honor to the three Archangels named in the Bible: Saint Michael (‘Who is like God?’), the protector of the Church; Saint Gabriel (‘Strength of God’), the messenger of the Incarnation; and Saint Raphael (‘Medicine of God’), the guide and healer. Devotion to one’s personal Guardian Angel, a belief that each soul is entrusted to a specific angel for protection and guidance, has also been a constant and cherished tradition of piety.