The Novena to Saint Michael the Archangel ranks among the most powerful devotions in the entire Catholic tradition, prayed by anyone seeking protection against evil in its many forms. Believers turn to him because Scripture itself names him as the leader of heaven’s armies, unmatched in courage and unwavering in obedience to God. Because his very name poses a question rather than a statement, his devotion carries a quiet reminder that no power can ever rival God’s own.
Saint Michael the Archangel’s Feast Day Falls on September 29
The Catholic Church celebrates Saint Michael the Archangel every year on September 29, alongside the archangels Gabriel and Raphael, in what the Church calls the Feast of the Archangels. This date was historically known as Michaelmas and once ranked as a holy day of obligation in earlier centuries. Many devotees also observe what is called Saint Michael’s Lent, a forty-day season of prayer stretching from the Feast of the Assumption on August 15 through his own September feast.
A Name That Means “Who Is Like God?”
Michael’s name comes from the Hebrew phrase meaning “Who is like God,” traditionally understood as the very battle cry he shouted while confronting the rebellious angel Lucifer. As an archangel, Michael ranks among the highest orders of heavenly messengers, and Scripture names him directly in both the Old and New Testaments. The Book of Daniel describes him as the great prince who stands guard over God’s people, particularly during Israel’s period of captivity in Babylon.
Leader of the Armies of Heaven
Michael’s most famous appearance comes in the Book of Revelation, where Saint John describes a dramatic war breaking out in heaven. Michael and his angels fight directly against the dragon, identified as Satan, and heaven’s forces ultimately triumph, casting the ancient enemy out entirely. This vivid battle has shaped centuries of Christian art, which almost always depicts Michael as an armored warrior standing victoriously over a defeated dragon, sword or spear firmly in hand.
A Protector Invoked Across History
Because of this scriptural role, the Church honors Michael as defender of God’s people against every form of spiritual danger. Christians have long invoked him during moments of temptation, fear, and what tradition calls spiritual warfare. Many Catholics also ask for Michael’s protection specifically at the hour of death, trusting him to guide souls safely away from danger and into God’s presence. In 1886, Pope Leo XIII composed the well-known Prayer to Saint Michael after reportedly experiencing a troubling vision of the Church’s coming trials.
Praying the Novena to Saint Michael the Archangel
Pray this nine-day novena for nine consecutive days, especially whenever you feel in need of protection, courage, or spiritual strength. Each day opens with the Sign of the Cross and an invocation of the Holy Spirit, followed by a full prayer for that day.
Day One: Who Is Like God?
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be renewed, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Saint Michael, your very name asks a question that puts every false power in its proper place: who could ever compare to God? Help me remember that truth whenever fear, pride, or temptation tries to convince me otherwise. Where I am tempted to place my trust in lesser things, redirect my heart back toward God alone. Saint Michael, stand beside me today as I try to live according to that same humble, unshakable truth. Amen.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day Two: Guardian of God’s People
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be renewed, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Saint Michael, Scripture calls you the great prince who watched over God’s people even during their darkest years of captivity. Help me trust that God’s protection remains real, even during seasons when I feel trapped or far from home. Where I am currently enduring my own kind of exile, remind me that you once guarded others through theirs as well. Saint Michael, watch over me and everyone I love who is enduring a difficult season right now. Amen.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day Three: Leader of the Heavenly Armies
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be renewed, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Saint Michael, you led the armies of heaven boldly into battle against the ancient enemy, never once hesitating in your obedience to God. Help me face my own daily battles with that same courage, however small or unseen they may seem. Where I feel outmatched by my struggles, remind me that greater strength than my own is already fighting on my behalf. Saint Michael, lead the charge today against whatever difficulty stands in front of me. Amen.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day Four: Casting Out the Ancient Enemy
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be renewed, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Saint Michael, Revelation describes how you cast the great dragon out of heaven entirely, refusing to let evil claim any lasting ground. Help me resist whatever temptations quietly try to gain ground in my own life. Give me the courage to name my struggles honestly rather than allowing them to hide in silence. Saint Michael, cast out whatever darkness is currently pressing against my own heart. Amen.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day Five: Bringing My Battle to You
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be renewed, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Saint Michael, the whole Church trusts you as a powerful defender against evil, and countless believers before me have brought you their own urgent struggles. Today, I bring you mine as well. (Pause here and name your intention.) I do not ask lightly, and I do not ask without faith. I trust that you stand ready to fight on behalf of anyone who calls on you sincerely. Please defend me in this need, and place me firmly under God’s protection. Amen.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day Six: A Guardian at Life’s Hardest Hour
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be renewed, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Saint Michael, tradition holds that you personally guide souls safely at the hour of death, escorting them away from danger and into God’s presence. Help me face my own hardest moments with that same confidence in God’s nearness. Where fear of the unknown weighs on me today, remind me that I am never truly walking through it alone. Saint Michael, be present with anyone I know who is currently facing a difficult ending of any kind. Amen.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day Seven: Defender of the Church
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be renewed, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Saint Michael, Pope Leo XIII once composed a prayer asking for your protection after glimpsing the trials the Church would face in years ahead. Help me remain faithful to my own community of believers, even during seasons of difficulty or division. Teach me to pray for the wider Church the same way I pray for my own personal needs. Saint Michael, defend the Church today from every threat, seen and unseen. Amen.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day Eight: Humility Without Example to Follow
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be renewed, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Saint Michael, unlike so many saints who had human examples to imitate, you fulfilled God’s will faithfully with no one to guide you but God alone. Help me remain obedient even in situations where no clear example shows me the way forward. Teach me that faithfulness does not require a perfect blueprint, only a willing and humble heart. Saint Michael, strengthen my obedience today, especially where the path ahead feels genuinely unclear. Amen.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day Nine: Escort Into the Light
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be renewed, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Saint Michael, tradition holds that you lead souls from purgatory’s purifying flames into the fullness of God’s holy light. Your story reminds me that no darkness, however real, has the final word over God’s mercy. As I close this novena, thank you for walking with me these nine days, and for whatever grace you have already obtained for me through your intercession. Saint Michael, mighty defender, continue to guard me long after this novena ends. Amen.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily Bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Continue Your Devotion to Saint Michael the Archangel
Readers exploring other beloved intercessors may also appreciate our novena to Saint Monica or our novena to Saint Rita of Cascia, both widely prayed devotions rooted in centuries of Catholic tradition. For more on the history behind this devotion, Britannica’s overview of Michael the Archangel offers additional background reading. You can also browse our full Novena Prayers directory to find a prayer suited to any need.
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