Whether you want to level up your prayer life or add some spiritual “weapons” to your “arsenal,” the Catholic faith has a treasury of powerful prayers that are especially effective when you’re facing spiritual warfare. This list features well-known prayers for both everyday protection and times of great need, and most of them take only 1–3 minutes to pray!
Together, let’s pray for the protection of ourselves, our loved ones, and our world.
The St. Michael Prayer was composed in the 1880s by Pope Leo XIII and added to the Prayers after Mass. According to legend, the pope had a troubling vision about Satan’s attempts to destroy the Church in the coming century. The details of this vision have not been historically verified, but one thing is certain: the Church needs divine protection from evil just as much now as it did then.
Today, the recitation of the St. Michael Prayer has become widespread among Catholics seeking the archangel’s assistance in fighting against the forces of evil in our lives and in the Church.
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 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.
Pray this powerful prayer in less than a minute with CatholicTV or on YouTube!
The Memorare is a well-known Marian prayer that dates back to the 12th century. Tradition holds that this prayer was composed by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, although it was popularized in the 17th century by Fr. Claude Bernard. He, as well as others who have adopted the Memorare in their personal devotion (including saints like Francis de Sales and Teresa of Calcutta), believed it to be the source of miraculous answers to prayer.
Today, the Memorare is often prayed for urgent intentions or situations that require special intervention. It’s also a powerful prayer for anytime you simply want Our Lady’s protection and intercession.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
The Memorare can also be prayed in under a minute. Pray with us!
This ancient prayer is traditionally attributed to St. Patrick, the “Apostle of Ireland,” who faced intense spiritual warfare in his work to convert the Irish people from paganism to Christianity. Whether or not St. Patrick penned these words himself, the prayer embodies the spirit of his ministry as he spread the light of Christ to a nation under the rule of darkness.
You can pray St. Patrick’s Breastplate with Bishop Reed on CatholicTV or on YouTube (it takes less than 3 ½ minutes!). Pray anytime you need extra protection from evil or strength for spiritual battle.
One of the best-known and well-loved prayers of the Catholic faith, the Rosary [hyperlink to Rosary blog post] is a powerful addition to your prayer arsenal. Here is what a couple of saints had to say about this “weapon”:
The holy Rosary is a powerful weapon. Use it with confidence and you’ll be amazed at the results. – St. Josemaría Escríva
The Rosary is a fortress against evil. It is a sign to satan that you belong to Our Lady. – St. Dominic
While the Rosary is much longer than the prayers listed above, it’s well worth the effort. If you’re just getting started, consider praying a single decade at a time. You can also pray the Rosary on CatholicTV with Bishop Reed or on YouTube, who will guide you through the prayer so you can easily follow along.
While all prayer helps us grow in our relationship with God, spiritual warfare prayers are especially powerful when your need is urgent or you are under spiritual attack. Don’t forget to share with a friend or loved one whose faith journey could benefit from these prayers, too!
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