Prayer to St. Michael the
Archangel
September 25, 1994
Brother John Raymond
I was shocked recently with the realization that I have never
written about the Prayer to St. Michael. Two events helped to bring
me to my senses. First, we celebrate the Feast of the Archangel's
Michael, Gabriel and Raphael this September 29. Second, the Holy
Father has asked all Catholics to pray this prayer.
I remember Mr. Jerry Coniker, the founder of The Apostolate for
Family Consecration (which I highly recommend for all families to
check into: Seminary Rd., Route 2, Box 700, Bloomingdale, Ohio 43910
Tel. 614-765-4301), telling the following true story. In his city
they were going to vote on putting sex education in the public
schools - not quite according to Catholic morality. Mr. Cronicker
felt it was his duty to battle against this. He put up billboards,
television advertising and fought with about everything money could
buy. He thought for sure it would never pass. To his surprise it
passed. He came then to realize that he was not fighting against
men. Even though he had all the human means to win he still lost.
The battle was against the principalities and powers of darkness. He
had missed the essential weapon in his plans - prayer.
A similar situation is taking place now with the United Nations
pushing for the promotion of birth control in Third World Countries.
The Pope has tried the normal methods of negotiation and talks to no
avail. This has left him with the one weapon that Christians always
have at their disposal - prayer, especially the St. Michael Prayer.
He realizes that in the Year of the Family the devil is trying to
make it a disaster for the Family.
The St. Michael Prayer is very appropriate for these type of
situations. It was composed by Pope Leo XIII. It is said that this
Pope was shown a vision of a fearful battle that would be waged
between satan and St. Michael - over the future of the Church. I am
quite sure that we are in the times of this battle.
We here at the monastery say the prayer three times a day with
breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a prayer to be said in all
demonic situations and as a preventive medicine. We are living in
very demonic times and this prayer is a must for memorization. St.
Michael plays a prominent role in the Book of Revelation as the one
who with the good angels battled satan with his followers. (Rev. 12;
7-9)
Anyone who works for the promotion of the Kingdom of God will
become aware of an opposition that is not of this world. I know a
woman who was printing a very important religious book when the
printing press broke down. The owner of the press tried everything
but couldn't fix it. This woman, being aware of demonic interference
even with mechanical equipment, placed a relic of a saint on the
press and immediately it began working again. Coincidence - I don't
think so.
Let us respond to the Holy Father's plea to all Catholics to pray
this most important prayer for our times. Perhaps we can make it
known in our parishes and prayer groups also.
Prayer to St. Michael
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense
against 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.