Have you ever encountered an angel? They are mentioned throughout Scripture as protectors, guides, and messengers. “Regarding the angels, he says, ‘He sends his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire,’” (Hebrews 1:7).
They announced the birth of Jesus in Luke 2: 8-10 and revealed that we are each given an angel of our own: “See that you do not look down on any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:10).
Scripture also tells us that there are seven archangels, naming three of them. St. Michael means “Who is like God” which was his battle cry when he drove Lucifer from Heaven. St. Gabriel whose name means “Strength of God”, appeared to the Blessed Mother announcing the Incarnation.
And St. Raphael, the “Divine Healer”, is a help to travelers, the sick and is a matchmaker. We learned in the book of Tobit how he guided Tobias, helped him catch a large fish with healing properties and helped him find a mate.
We too can involve the angels in our lives. Here are some prayers for their powerful intercession
Our Guardian Angel
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
The Angel of Gethsemane
Preparing for his passion, we are told in Luke 22:43, that when Jesus went to the Garden Gethsemane, "An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.”
In the book His Angels at Our Side: Understanding Their Power in Our Souls and the World, Father John Horgan included a prayer to the Angel of Gethsemane which Catholic nurses, particularly after the 1940s, often recited for patients.
O Angel of Gethsemane, chosen by the Father
to bring strength and consolation to Jesus during His agony,
I ask you to be with me now as I keep watch over my loved one who is sick and suffering.
Help me to offer my best care, love and protection to this child of God.
May my words and my touch be filled with gentleness, my presence bring comfort, and my prayers bring rest and healing sleep.
Do what I cannot do, O loving Angel, to bring healing and strength to soul and body, according to the Father’s will. Amen.
St. Michael the Archangel
St Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle and be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you 0h prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.
Archangel St. Gabriel
O blessed Archangel Gabriel, we beseech thee, do thou intercede for us at the throne of divine mercy in our present necessities, that as thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers and patronage in heaven we may obtain the benefits of the same, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living.
Amen.
Amen.
Archangel St. Raphael
You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels.
Because you are the medicine of God, I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor (mention your request here) and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.
St. Raphael, of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, Angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains. Heal or cure the victim of disease and guide our steps when doubtful of our ways.
All you angels in heaven, pray for us!
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For more inspiration check out Patti's latest book: Holy Hacks: Everyday Ways to Live Your Faith & Get to Heaven. Other books include: Big Hearted: Inspiring Stories from Everyday Families and the best-selling Amazing Grace Series.
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