Novena to St Michael the Archangel
Feast: 29 Sep
When to pray: Begin on 20 Sep and finish on 28 Sep, the eve of the feast. A novena is prayed on nine consecutive days.
Prayer for each day
St Michael the Archangel, defend me in the battle. Guard me against temptation and fear, and help me stand firm for God today. Amen.
Day by day
Day 1: Who is like God?
And there was a great battle in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought, and his angels.
Apoc 12:7 [Rev 12:7], Douay-Rheims
St Michael the Archangel, your name means Who is like God? There is none like our God. Teach me to give God the first place in my life, and to worship him alone. Amen.
Day 2: The war in heaven
And they prevailed not: neither was their place found any more in heaven. And that great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who seduceth the whole world. And he was cast unto the earth: and his angels were thrown down with him.
Apoc 12:8-9 [Rev 12:8-9], Douay-Rheims
St Michael, in the battle in heaven the dragon and his angels did not prevail and were cast out. Defend the Church against the powers of darkness, and keep me firmly on the side of God. Amen.
Day 3: Guardian of God's people
But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people: and a time shall come, such as never was from the time that nations began, even until that time. And at that time shall thy people be saved, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Dan 12:1, Douay-Rheims
St Michael, the prophet Daniel calls you the great prince who stands for the children of God's people. Guard the Church, protect the faithful, and watch over my country and my home. Amen.
Day 4: Defender against the enemy
When Michael the archangel, disputing with the devil, contended about the body of Moses, he durst not bring against him the judgment of railing speech, but said: The Lord command thee.
Jude 1:9, Douay-Rheims
St Michael, when you contended with the devil you did not trust in yourself but said, The Lord command thee. Teach me to resist the enemy by the power of God, not by my own strength. Amen.
Day 5: Strength against temptation
Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human. And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able: but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Cor 10:13, Douay-Rheims
St Michael, God is faithful and will not let us be tempted above what we are able. Stand by me in temptation, show me the way of escape, and give me the strength to choose what is right. Amen.
Day 6: Protector of the dying
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?
Heb 1:14, Douay-Rheims
St Michael, the angels are ministering spirits sent for those who shall receive the inheritance of salvation. Be with me and with all the dying at the hour of death, and lead our souls safely to God. Amen.
Day 7: Patron of soldiers and police
Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13, Douay-Rheims
St Michael, patron of soldiers, police and all who protect others, greater love than this no man has, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Guard those who risk their lives for the safety of others, and keep them just and brave. Amen.
Day 8: Humility over pride
And thou saidst in thy heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will sit in the mountain of the covenant, in the sides of the north. I will ascend above the height of the clouds, I will be like the most High.
Isa 14:13-14, Douay-Rheims
St Michael, the enemy fell through pride, wishing to be like the Most High. Free me from pride, vanity and self-will, and teach me the humility that serves God gladly. Amen.
Day 9: Victory belongs to God
But thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Cor 15:57, Douay-Rheims
St Michael, thanks be to God, who has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. The victory belongs to God. Keep me faithful to the end, that I may share in Christ's victory forever. Amen.
Scripture
Douay-Rheims numbering (modern in brackets): 1 Cor 10:13; 1 Cor 15:57; Apoc 12:7 [Rev 12:7]; Apoc 12:8-9 [Rev 12:8-9]; Dan 12:1; Heb 1:14; Isa 14:13-14; John 15:13; Jude 1:9. Scripture index
Source
Written for The Crusade, 2026. How we check sources