Saint 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; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
The St Michael the Archangel Prayer asks for his help in the struggle against evil. Pray the full text above whenever you need courage, and remember that St. Michael serves God: the prayer asks God to rebuke the devil and entrusts the battle to His power.
Michael’s name means “Who is like God?” In Scripture he comes to the aid of God’s people, and in Revelation he leads the angels against the dragon. The Church teaches that the angels assist her in worship and in the life of faith (CCC 334–335). Their help always directs us toward God.
Where is St. Michael in the Bible? Daniel calls him a prince who helps God’s people (Daniel 10:13; 12:1). Jude names him as the archangel (Jude 9), and Revelation describes Michael and his angels fighting the dragon (Revelation 12:7–12). These passages help explain why Catholics ask for his intercession in times of temptation and fear.
You may pray the St. Michael prayer at home, on your way to work, or after Mass where your parish has adopted that practice. For a longer devotion, pray the Chaplet of St. Michael. You can also find our prayers for protection and help.
The Latin text below is the version printed by the Holy See Press Office when Pope Francis invited Catholics to pray it in 2018.
Sancte Míchael Archángele, defénde nos in próelio;
contra nequítiam et insídias diáboli esto praesídium.
Imperet illi Deus, súpplices deprecámur,
tuque, Prínceps milítiae caeléstis,
Sátanam aliósque spíritus malígnos,
qui ad perditiónem animárum pervagántur in mundo,
divína virtúte, in inférnum detrúde. Amen.
The accents help show which syllables to stress. Pray it slowly, or use the English text at the top of this page.
Pope Leo XIII wrote the familiar short prayer to St. Michael in the late nineteenth century. He ordered prayers after Low Mass beginning in 1884; the St. Michael prayer became part of this group, often called the Leonine Prayers. An EWTN explanation of their history notes that these prayers were said after Mass, outside the Mass itself.
Stories sometimes connect the prayer to a vision Leo XIII had after Mass. The dramatic details are not established by the official record. You can pray with confidence without relying on that story.
The requirement to say the Leonine Prayers after Low Mass ended in 1964. Many Catholics still pray St. Michael’s prayer privately or after Mass where it is customary. In September 2018, Pope Francis invited the faithful to conclude the daily Rosary during October with the Sub Tuum Praesidium and this prayer for the Church’s protection.
The free St. Michael prayer PDF contains the English prayer shown at the top of this page. Save it for later or print it for someone who would like to pray along. Use the Download & Keep This Prayer (PDF) button above; no purchase or signup is required.
You can pray to St. Michael for protection when temptation, fear, or concern for someone you love weighs on you. The prayer asks him to defend us, while placing our trust in God’s power. It can be prayed alone, as a family, or after Mass when your parish offers it.
Pray the words slowly. Name the person or situation you are carrying, then ask God for the courage to do the next good thing. If fear is overwhelming you, speak with someone you trust or your priest as well as praying.
St. Michael’s name asks, “Who is like God?” No power of evil is God’s equal. If you would like the brothers to pray for a particular intention, you can submit a prayer request.
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