# Prayer and Novena to Saint Michael the Archangel
*2022-10-19*

> Bill Young shares a personal encounter with a nightmare and leads a novena prayer to Saint Michael, invoking his protection against evil.

## Why We Need Saint Michael

I had a frightening dream early this morning—something I can’t quite describe, but it felt like a monster or demon. My wife had to cover me, and it reminded me how vulnerable we are to the attacks of the evil one. That’s why Saint Michael the Archangel is so important: he protects us from evil and helps us resist the devil’s assaults.

## Opening Prayer and Creed

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

Oh 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. Amen.

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

You, O splendor and virtue of the Father, you, O Jesus, life of our hearts, we praise you among the angels who follow your word. A mighty host of thousands of leaders combats 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 the rebels from the heavenly throne. May the glory of the Lamb be given to us through this triumph. Glory be to God the Father, who redeemed His Son, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and who protects us through the angels.

## Novena Prayer to Saint Michael

O Saint Michael the Archangel, we ask you, together with the Prince of the Seraphim, the first choir of angels, to kindle in our hearts a fire of holy love. Through your intercession, lead us and sustain us against the alluring deceptions of worldly pleasures.

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; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

## Marian Prayer and Final Supplications

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.

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

Prayer of the Guardian Angel: O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, bind Satan and all wicked spirits, casting them into hell, that they may no longer harm souls. Amen.

Alternate version: Defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and sneers of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. O Prince of heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast the evil spirits into hell, that they may not ruin souls. Amen.

Archangel, enlighten us with your light, protect us with your wings, and defend us with your sword. O Saint Michael, defend our homes from demons and from the wickedness of men. Amen.

*Saint Michael stands ready to shield us from evil, so we can trust in his heavenly protection.*