This Advent and Christmas, the angels are calling us to journey to Bethlehem. Let us invite their inspiration and aid as we approach the manger, bearing gifts of devotion and love. Pray these three prayers throughout Advent for angelic intercession.
St. Gertrude’s Guardian Angel Prayer
O most holy Angel of God, appointed by God to be my guardian, I give you thanks for all the benefits which you have ever bestowed on me in body and in soul. I praise and glorify you that you condescended to assist me with such patient fidelity, and to defend me against all the assaults of my enemies. Blessed be the hour in which you were assigned me for my guardian, my defender and my patron. In acknowledgment and return for all your loving ministries to me, I offer you the infinitely precious and noble heart of Jesus, and firmly purpose to obey you henceforward, and most faithfully to serve my God. Amen.
Prayer to the Queen of Angels to Defeat Satan
August Queen of Heaven! Sovereign mistress of the angels! Thou who from the beginning hast received from God the power and mission to crush the head of Satan, we humbly beseech thee to send thy holy legions, that under thy command and by thy power, they may pursue the evil spirits, encounter them on every side, resist their bold attacks and drive them into the abyss of eternal woe. Amen.
History
A Bernardine sister was shown the destruction caused by the devil throughout the world. The Blessed Virgin then told the nun that Hell had been let loose upon the earth and that the time had come for everyone to petition her, as Queen of the Angels, to send the heavenly legions to fight against the enemies of God and of men. Our Lady then communicated this prayer and requested that it be printed and distributed.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. 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, cast into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
History
After celebrating Holy Mass, Pope Leo XIII heard a conversation between Our Lord and Satan during which Satan threatened to harm the Church during a certain period of time. The Pope then realized that after this time, St. Michael would engage in mortal conflict with the devil in defense of the Church. The Pope then composed this prayer; for many years it was recited after Holy Mass in churches throughout the world.
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This article is taken from a chapter in Prayers and Heavenly Promises compiled by Joan Carroll Cruz which is available from TAN Books.
