Saint Michael Prayer: Full Text, Latin & Meaning
The Saint Michael prayer in full, as written by Pope Leo XIII, with the Latin text, a short version, its meaning, and how to pray it.
The Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
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.
Pope Leo XIII, 1886. Prayed after Low Mass as one of the Leonine Prayers until 1964.
A Personal Prayer to Saint Michael
Saint Michael the Archangel, defender in the day of battle, I come to you asking for your protection.
Be my shield against the snares and wickedness of the enemy, who prowls about seeking to bring harm where he can. Stand watch over my home, my family, and my heart.
When I am tempted, remind me whose I am. When I am afraid, remind me that the battle belongs to God, and that no darkness can stand against His light.
Intercede for me before the throne of God, that I may stay faithful, humble, and brave. Amen.
Short Version
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. Amen.
The Prayer in Latin (Sancte Michael Archangele)
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.
Meaning and How to Pray It
Pope Leo XIII composed this prayer in 1886 and added it to the prayers said at the end of Low Mass. It was dropped from the Mass in 1964, and in 2018 Pope Francis asked Catholics to pray it again, especially during October, to protect the Church.
The prayer asks three things. First, that Michael defend us in battle, the spiritual struggle every Christian faces. Second, that God himself rebuke the devil. Michael does not act on his own power. Third, that the evil spirits who prowl about the world be cast out, echoing 1 Peter 5:8.
When to pray it: many people say it after Mass or at the end of the Rosary, in the morning to start the day, at night before sleep, or whenever they feel spiritually attacked or afraid. It takes less than thirty seconds, so it is easy to memorize and pray daily.
Scripture to Pray With
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Revelation 12:7-8 (KJV)
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Jude 1:9 (KJV)
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people.
Daniel 12:1 (KJV)
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the Saint Michael prayer?
Pope Leo XIII wrote it in 1886 and ordered it prayed after every Low Mass. That practice lasted until 1964.
Is there a short version of the Saint Michael prayer?
Yes. Many people pray just the first lines: "Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. Amen."
When should you pray the Saint Michael prayer?
Any time. Common moments are after Mass, at the end of the Rosary, first thing in the morning, before sleep, and during temptation or fear. Its feast day, Michaelmas, is September 29.
Can non-Catholics pray the Saint Michael prayer?
Yes. Michael appears in Daniel, Jude and Revelation, and many Anglicans and other Christians pray to God for his protection in their own words.
Last updated 2026-10-08