# Feast of our guardian angel
*2008-10-01*

> Bill Young reflects on the Feast of the Guardian Angels and leads a prayer of gratitude and petition to these heavenly protectors.

## Gratitude for heavenly guidance

Today is October 2nd, the feast day of our guardian angels. Before we pray, I want to take a moment to thank my own guardian angel for always taking care of me and showing me the right way. Even in those moments when I didn't listen, my angel still stayed with me.

## A prayer to our guardian angel

Most gracious angel, my guardian, tutor, master, my guide, and my defense, my wise counselor, my most faithful friend: The Lord in His goodness has entrusted me to your care, from the day of my birth to the last hour of my life. How much respect I owe you, knowing that you are close to me at all times. Whatever I am, how much I need to thank you for the love for which you cherish me. What great confidence it gives me to know that you are my assistant and my defender.

## Petition for protection and purity

Holy angel, instruct me, correct me, protect me, keep me safe, and guide me along the right path which leads to the holy city of God. Let me not do things that would offend your holiness and purity. Present my desires to the Lord and offer Him my prayers. Show Him my weaknesses and obtain for me the purification of my soul through His infinite goodness and the monthly intercession of Mary, the most holy and your queen.

## Strength for the journey

Watch over me when I sleep. Guide me when I am tired. Steady me when I am going to fall, and raise me up when I have fallen. Show me the way when I am lost, comfort me when I lose heart, and enlighten me when I do not see. Defend me when I am in trouble, now and especially on the last day of my life. Be my shield against the devil. With your defense and kindness, help me to enter into the light-filled place where I may express gratitude to you, glorifying Christ our Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen, together with you, forever and ever. Amen.

*We can find great confidence and strength by trusting in the constant care and guidance of our guardian angels.*