# Prayer and Novena to Saint Michael the Archangel – Third Grace
*2016-09-21*

> Bill Young leads a prayerful novena to Saint Michael, including the traditional prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, and a series of prayers invoking the archangel’s protection.

## Opening Prayer to Saint Michael

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits that prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

O St. Michael, the Archangel, enlighten us with your light, protect us with your wings, and defend us with your sword. Defend us from danger, from demons, and from the wickedness of those on earth. Defend us in battle so that we may not perish at the Last Judgment.

## The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again, 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.

## Prayer of Praise to Saint Michael

O splendor and virtue of the Father, O Jesus, life of our hearts, we praise you among the angels who obey your every word. A mighty host of thousands of angels serves under you. As a sign of salvation, victorious Michael displays the cross, thrusting the proud head of the dragon into the depths of hell and striking the chief of pride from the heavenly throne. In combat against the head of pride, we follow this Prince, that the crown of glory may be given to us from the throne of the Lamb. Glory be to God the Father, who has redeemed the Son, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and who protects us through the angels. I sing to you, my God, and adore you in the Holy Temple. May we always aspire to heaven and proclaim God’s glory on earth, assisted by Saint Michael’s prayers. Through Christ our Lord, amen.

## The Third Grace – Petition for Protection

We earnestly beseech you, O invincible champion of paradise, together with the prince of the third choir of angels, do not allow us who are devoted to you to be oppressed by evil spirits or infirmities. 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

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, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

[Repeated three times]

## Closing Prayer

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle so that we may not perish at the Last Judgment. Amen. May Saint Michael protect us all. Amen.

*Invoking Saint Michael’s protection reminds us that we are never alone in the spiritual battle.*