Archangels
Archangels
September 29th is the day we celebrate Michaelmas, or the Feast of St. Michael, St Gabriel, St Raphael, and All Angels. It is celebrated to honor the Archangel Michael, a symbol of courage and the triumph of good over evil. It also historically marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of autumn, symbolizing the gathering of strength for the coming darker, colder days.
In Scotland, this is a day of feasting. Foods usually include goose, blackberries and honeycake. As I imagine Michaelmas celebrations throughout time I think about the ways contemporary life is vastly different from the world of the 5th century in which this celebration began and wonder what is the invitation within our common longing for spiritual sustenance?
I love considering angels in our midst. Angels are our guardians, advocates, and intercessors. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us "not to forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."In Genesis 18 Abraham welcomes three visitors who revealed themselves as Divine Messengers. And in Luke 1:26-28 the angel Gabriel appears to Mary with a Divine invitation.
Here is some information about the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel along with intercessory prayers…
Archangel Michael
Archangel Michael is most associated with protection of individuals and the entire world. He is a powerful intercessor on our behalf. He is the patron saint of grocers, soldiers, doctors, mariners, paratroopers, police and illness. He is said to accompany the dying.
This prayer written by Pope Leo XIII is the most well known prayer to Michael. (I am sharing the short version/ I struggle with this language so I wrote my own prayer which follows)
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our
protection 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.
Here is a modern prayer to Archangel Michael…
Archangel Michael, radiant guardian,
be near me when shadows rise.
Spread your wings of light around me,
keep me safe from paths that wound.
May the Holy One’s breath of love
disperse all that would bind or harm.
By the strength of heaven’s song,
guide wandering spirits home,
and turn each soul’s steps toward peace.
Archangel Michael, companion in courage,
be with me when I falter;
protect me from whatever draws me away from wholeness and love.
heal and transform what brings harm.
And you, leader of the heavenly host,
with the power of Eternal Love,
surround the world with light,
so that no soul is lost,
but all may find peace.
Amen.
(By Mary Ann Matthys)
Archangel Gabriel
Archangel Gabriel is God’s messenger who communicates Divine messages. He is revered as a comforter and strengthener. Many ask his intercession for courage and support during trials. Prayers to him often ask to receive clarity, fresh ideas and understanding of life’s problems. Gabriel is the patron saint of messengers, postal workers, telecommunications workers.
O blessed Archangel Gabriel,
You who were chosen by the Holy One to deliver the message of the Incarnation, and serve as the great messenger of divine wisdom, please hear my prayer. I ask for your intercession and heavenly guidance, that I may clearly hear and understand God’s voice, receive divine messages clearly, and follow Divine will in my life. Grant me the wisdom to communicate with clarity and truth, and the strength to transform my inner self, so that my words and actions may be for the good of all. Help me to overcome any obstacles or fog that clouds my mind, and reveal the hidden truths that will guide my steps. Fill me with courage, hope, and a tender love, and provide me with the strength and resolve to strive for holiness. Protect me and my loved ones from harm, and guide me on the path to spiritual peace and harmony.
Amen
(Author unknown)
Archangel Raphael
Archangel Raphael is known as the Archangel of Healing. A common prayer to Archangel Raphael asks for his assistance as the “Angel of Healing” and “God’s Medicine” to bring healing to the body, mind, and spirit, similar to how he helped the young Tobias. Raphael is also invoked as a guide for travelers and a helper in finding love, with prayers often incorporating requests for divine guidance, protection against evil, and increased faith and courage.
Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel
Archangel, St. Raphael,
I humbly ask for your intercession for my healing .
Heal the infirmities of my soul and body, and restore my mind and spirit.
Be a companion on my journey, guiding me with your wisdom and protecting me from all harm.
Help me to find purity, peace, and a deeper connection to God.
Through your powerful intercession, grant me the graces and blessings I need, and may your loving protection be with me always.
Amen.
(Traditional Catholic Prayer, author unknown)
Archangel Uriel
Archangel Uriel is depicted as both male and female. Archangel Uriel is the angel of wisdom and light. Uriel’s name means “Light of God”.
Here is a prayer to Archangel Uriel…
Archangel Uriel, I ask for your wisdom on [describe the situation you’d like illumination about]. I need as much information as possible so that I can clearly see the truth of the situation. Please help me make an informed decision by filling me in on all of the perspectives involved. Please help me clearly hear and understand this information and to be as open-minded as possible. I open my heart and mind to your divine presence and guidance. Fill me with your illuminating wisdom as I navigate my path. Help me to gain clarity in my decisions. Inspire my creativity and courage to pursue my passions. Thank you for bringing light to confusing situations and helping me find solutions. Amen.
(Written by Judy Mullen Baumann)
We often pray asking angels to help us, guide us or protect us. I invite us
to also pray for the angels in gratitude. Consider writing a prayer
honoring your angel and place it on your altar with a white candle.
