St. Michael the Archangel Prayer: Words, Latin, History and Meaning

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The St. Michael the Archangel prayer asks for protection against the devil and for God’s help in spiritual struggle. Often beginning “Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle,” it is associated with Pope Leo XIII and is prayed privately, after the Rosary and in many parishes after Mass.

The prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

Holy Michael, Archangel, defend us in the day of battle;
be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou, prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God, thrust down to hell Satan
and all wicked spirits, who roam through the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

This is the traditional English wording printed in F. X. Lasance’s With God (1911), “Prayers after Mass”, with punctuation and line breaks adjusted. Holy Michael and Saint Michael refer to the same archangel. Other familiar English versions say “defend us in battle,” “be our protection” and “prowl about the world.”

Below are the Latin text, an explanation of the petitions and a guide to using the prayer.

The St. Michael prayer in Latin

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.

What the prayer means, line by line

  • “Holy Michael, Archangel…” We call upon Michael, whom Scripture names in Daniel 10:13, Jude 9 and Revelation 12:7. Revelation portrays Michael and his angels fighting the dragon.
  • “…defend us in the day of battle.” The battle is spiritual. Ephesians 6:10–18 urges believers to draw strength from God and remain faithful in prayer.
  • “…the wickedness and snares of the devil.” The Church teaches that Satan is a fallen angel whose power remains limited: he is a creature, and God remains sovereign (CCC 391–395).
  • “May God rebuke him, we humbly pray.” This petition echoes Jude 9. Michael’s help depends upon God; the prayer explicitly asks God to act.
  • “…by the power of God…” Our confidence rests in God’s strength. This prayer belongs with a Christian life of repentance, charity and trust in Christ.
  • “…seeking the ruin of souls.” Compare 1 Peter 5:8–9, which calls Christians to vigilance and firmness in faith.

The history of the St. Michael prayer

Pope Leo XIII introduced the prayer for use throughout the Church in the late nineteenth century. Older prayer books print it among the Leonine Prayers, said after Low Mass, together with three Hail Marys, the Hail Holy Queen and a prayer for the Church. With God (1911) preserves that arrangement.

In his Regina Caeli address of April 24, 1994, Pope St. John Paul II recalled Leo XIII’s introduction of the prayer. Although its former recitation at the end of Mass had ceased, he encouraged Catholics to continue using it for help in spiritual struggle.

On September 29, 2018, the Holy See announced Pope Francis’s invitation to conclude the Rosary with the Sub Tuum Praesidium and the short St. Michael prayer during that October. These appeals document the prayer’s continuing place in Catholic devotion without making it a required part of every Mass.

When to pray the St. Michael prayer

  • After Mass, as many parishes do.
  • At the end of the Rosary, following the devotional practice encouraged by Pope Francis in October 2018.
  • In the morning and at night, for protection for yourself and your family.
  • In temptation or spiritual struggle.
  • On September 29, the feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, and on October 2, the memorial of the Guardian Angels.
  • For someone you love, asking God to strengthen that person against temptation and discouragement.

The Chaplet of St. Michael

The Chaplet of St. Michael is a separate, longer devotion honoring St. Michael and the nine choirs of angels. You do not need chaplet beads or the longer devotion to pray the short St. Michael prayer above. For the full text and step-by-step instructions, see our guide to the Chaplet of St. Michael.

A short prayer to St. Michael for protection

The following is an original prayer written for this guide:

St. Michael, protect my family today. Keep us from harm in body and soul, and lead us safely to God. Amen.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote the St. Michael prayer?

It is associated with Pope Leo XIII, who introduced it throughout the Church in the late nineteenth century. John Paul II recalled that connection in his 1994 Regina Caeli address.

Why do some parishes pray the St. Michael prayer after Mass?

The custom recalls its former place among the Leonine Prayers after Low Mass. It can also answer John Paul II’s appeal to keep praying it. Follow your parish’s practice after the dismissal.

Is the St. Michael prayer an exorcism?

The short prayer above is a devotional petition that Catholics may pray. It is distinct from the longer exorcism against Satan and the fallen angels associated with Leo XIII. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s 1985 letter restricts use of that exorcism formula and explains that formal exorcisms require a priest with express permission from the local ordinary.

Is there a version for children?

Children can pray the traditional text with an adult’s help. Here is an original short alternative: “St. Michael, pray for me. Help me to resist temptation and choose what is good. Amen.”

More prayers

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