Prayers for Protection
The Church's three classic protection prayers cover heaven's whole chain of command: St. Michael against evil, your guardian angel for daily watch, and the Sub Tuum Praesidium — the oldest Marian prayer in existence — for refuge under Mary's protection.
Traditional prayers
Prayer to 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 hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Guardian Angel Prayer (Angel of God)
my guardian dear,
to whom God's love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Sub Tuum Praesidium (Under Your Protection)
O holy Mother of God;
despise not our petitions in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
O glorious and blessed Virgin.
From Scripture
1The praise of a canticle for David. He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob.
2He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust.
11For he hath given his angels charge over thee; to keep thee in all thy ways.
— Psalm 90 (91), vv. 1-2, 11, Douay-Rheims · read the full chapter
Psalm numbers follow the Douay-Rheims (Vulgate) numbering; the common Hebrew numbering appears in parentheses.
Pray a novena
Patron saints for this intention
How to use these prayers
Many Catholics pray the St. Michael prayer after every Mass — a custom Pope Leo XIII began. Psalm 90 is the Church's night prayer of protection (Compline).