St. Michael the Archangel Prayer: Full Text and How to Pray It
The St. Michael the Archangel prayer is one of the best-known prayers in the Catholic tradition. In this guide you will find the full text and some ideas for praying it with attention.
You do not need anything special to pray it: a calm moment and the intention to pray with faith are enough.
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St. Michael the Archangel prayer: 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.
Where the prayer comes from
The prayer is attributed to Pope Leo XIII, who proposed it in the late 19th century to be said after Mass. Since then many believers also pray it at home, personally.
St. Michael appears in the Bible as the archangel who defends God’s people, which is why he is invoked as a protector in Christian tradition.
How to pray the St. Michael prayer
- Pick a quiet moment. In the morning, at bedtime or whenever you need calm.
- Make the sign of the cross. It is the traditional way to begin any prayer.
- Pray the text slowly. Read it quietly, thinking about each sentence.
- Add a personal intention. You can pray for yourself, your family or a specific situation.
- Finish with gratitude. A moment of silence and an Our Father or Hail Mary if you wish.
Short prayer and extended prayer
The short version is the text above. Some people add an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Glory Be. There is no single required way: what matters is praying sincerely.
Next step: a 21-day cycle
If you want consistency, you can pray this prayer for 21 days in a row, with a different intention each day.
See the 21-day St. Michael prayer guide
Frequently asked questions
When is the feast of St. Michael the Archangel?
The Church celebrates it on September 29, together with the archangels Gabriel and Raphael.
Can I pray it if I am not Catholic?
Yes. It is a prayer open to anyone who wants to pray it respectfully.
How many times a day should it be prayed?
There is no required number. Many people pray it once a day.
Pray calmly and consistently; the full text is above so you can keep it at hand.
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