Prayer to St Michael for Protection
The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel is one of the most recognized prayers for protection in the Catholic tradition. Composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886, it was prayed after Mass for generations in many parishes. In Scripture, St. Michael appears as the archangel who leads God's forces against evil (Revelation 12:7, Daniel 10:13).
The prayer asks for his defense "in battle", traditionally understood as spiritual battle, not physical conflict. This page includes the full traditional text, its background, and original prayers inspired by the same theme of protection. If you're looking for prayers against a specific danger or against evil more broadly, see our prayer for protection from evil and prayer for spiritual warfare as well.
The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel — Traditional 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.
A Short Personal Prayer to St. Michael
St. Michael, defender against evil, stand watch over me today. Guard my mind from lies and my heart from fear. Amen.
A Prayer for Protection Through St. Michael's Intercession
God, You sent Michael the Archangel to defend Your people against evil. I ask his intercession now — for protection over my home, my family, and my own heart. Where evil seeks an opening, close it; where fear has taken root, replace it with courage. All power belongs to You alone, Lord; Michael serves You, and I turn to You through his example of faithful defense. Amen.
A One-Line Prayer to St. Michael
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Amen.
The Prayer to St. Michael in Latin
This is the traditional Latin form of the prayer, followed by its standard English translation: Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio; contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae Caelestis, Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute in infernum detrude. Amen. English translation: 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.
Scripture to pray
Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon.— Revelation 12:7 (RSV)
Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me.— Daniel 10:13 (RSV)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel?
It's a traditional Catholic prayer asking St. Michael's protection against evil, composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886. It was prayed after every Low Mass for decades and remains one of the most widely known Catholic prayers for spiritual protection today.
Who is St. Michael the Archangel?
Michael is described in Scripture as an archangel who leads the heavenly forces against evil — Revelation 12:7 describes "war in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon," and Daniel 10:13 names him as one of the chief princes who comes to help. Catholic tradition honors him as the patron of protection against evil.
When is the Prayer to St. Michael said?
Traditionally it was prayed after every Low Mass from the 1880s until liturgical changes in the 1960s; many parishes today still say it after Mass, especially on weekdays. It's also commonly prayed privately, especially in moments of spiritual struggle or before facing something difficult.