# Prayer and Novena to St. Michael – Second Grace
*2016-09-20*

> Bill Young leads the second‑day prayer of the St. Michael novena, sharing a personal nightmare, the traditional prayer to the archangel, and the accompanying prayers and hymn.

## A Nighttime Encounter

I wanted to begin by sharing a nightmare I had last night. In the dream I was gasping for breath while a black, mask‑like monster loomed over me. My wife woke me and comforted me, and the vision faded. The experience made me think of the St. Michael prayer we’re about to say, especially since I had just watched a TV program in which a young man sold his soul to the devil. Even though the show treated the subject lightly, the reality of spiritual battle is far darker.

## Prayer to St. Michael

Please protect us, St. Michael the Archangel, against violence, murder, and robbery. In your goodness preserve us today from all malice of sinful and wicked men. In your sleepless vigilance watch over the safety of our homes and keep us from danger. Hold in your special care those who have triumphed in faith. Defend all honest citizens in times of peril. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

## Beginning the Novena (Day 2 – Second Grace)

In the name of the Father, and of His Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

O God, come to my aid. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, and to His Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, rose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

## Hymn to St. Michael

You, O splendid one in virtue of the Father, you, O Jesus, life of our hearts! We praise you among the angels who sing every word. A mighty host of thousands of leaders combats under you. As a sign of salvation, victorious Michael displays the cross, striking the proud head of the dragon and casting it into the depths of hell. He defeats the chief of pride from the heavenly throne, so that glory may be given to us from the throne of the Lamb. Glory to God the Father, who has redeemed the Son, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and who protects us through the angels.

## Prayer for the Second Grace

O mighty God, grant us the patronage of St. Michael the Archangel, that we may always aspire to heaven and proclaim your glory on earth. Through his intercession assist us, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

We humbly ask you, O Prince of the Heavenly Jerusalem, to remember us especially when we are assaulted by temptations and the infernal enemy, that with your assistance we may gain victory over Satan and offer ourselves as a complete holocaust to the Lord.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

## Three Hail Marys and Closing

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, my love, pray for sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Repeated three times.)

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle so that we may not perish at the last judgment. Amen.

May St. Michael protect all the good people of the Lord. Amen.

*In the darkness of our fears, St. Michael’s vigilant protection reminds us that we are never alone in spiritual battle.*