AKA: Guardians
“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist”, a quote from The Usual Suspects is so very true. Just turn on a TV or radio or scroll through your social media platforms and you will see the craziness of the world today. Satan’s influence on our world has increased in recent decades, especially with the rise in satanism and involvement in the occult, especially among the young people. On top of that, the evil surrounding us with things like pornography that is so widely accepted in our culture today is hazardous to our spiritual well-being. Spiritual warfare feels like it is everywhere. It is so very important to be protected from the evil surrounding us. Spiritual protection from the diabolic and evil influences should be a priority for every Christian. How do we protect ourselves from this evil? Calling on Jesus and growing in our faith is the most effective way. With faith, we need not fear evil. Some sacramentals have been known to help ward off evil. Things like Miraculous Medals, St. Benedict Medals and Brown Scapulars. Keep your mind on God and his angels and saints. There are several angels and saints we can call upon for their intercession and protection.
Who is the Patron Saint of Lost Causes
When most people need protection, the Patron Saint of Protection most often called upon is of course St. Michael the Archangel. Some other protector saints are St. Benedict and St. Christopher and of course there is always your own personal Guardian Angel.
St. Michael, one of the three archangels mentioned in the Bible, is regarded as the most powerful. He fought the devil in two instances over the body of Moses and for the control of heaven. One reference in the Old Testament described him as the protector of the chosen people of Israel. Early on, Church tradition identified St. Michael as the protector of Christians at the hour of their death when he guides the soul to God. Even St. Joan of Arc declared Michael as her heavenly guide during the Hundred Years War.
His name means “Who is Like God”. St. Michael is typically portrayed holding a sword and fighting a dragon, who represents the Devil. He is often invoked for protection against evil and temptation.
You wouldn’t think a hermit who desired solitude would be a protector. However, St. Benedict is known for his Rule, a set of guidelines for monastic life that emphasizes the importance of stability, obedience, and humility. The Rule of St. Benedict emphasizes the need for monastics to protect themselves from the dangers of the world, both external and internal, and to focus on their spiritual growth. St. Benedict was the founder of the Benedictine Order, a monastic order that has played a significant role in the protection and preservation of the Christian faith.
Even though he lived a life devoted to God, St. Benedict was constantly tempted. He was able to beat back the devil throughout his life however, warranting him the title of protector against evil spirits and temptation. Several examples include; a cup of poisoned wine broke after blessing it with the sign of the cross, driving away the devil disguised as a black bird who tempted him with lustful desires, and compelling the devil to leave a large stone meant for his monastery which he then lifted without any effort and move it to where it needed to be. Two of these instances, the cup and raven, are found on the St. Benedict Medal which is a stalwart of spiritual protection. The medal, according the Rule of Benedict, “ is a prayer of exorcism against Satan, a prayer for strength in time of temptation, a prayer for peace among ourselves and among the nations of the world, a prayer that the Cross of Christ be our light and guide, a prayer of firm rejection of all that is evil, a prayer of petition that we may with Christian courage ‘walk in God’s ways, with the Gospel as our guide,’ as St. Benedict urges us.”
St. Christopher, whose name literally means “Christ bearer”, legendarily protected travelers across a raging river until one day a little child asked for his help. That child later revealed himself as Christ. If he was good enough to protect Christ, then he is good enough to protect us as we travel this world full of evil spirits and temptations.
Who better to protect and guide us than our Guardian Angels. Maybe we have forgotten about them or possibly doubt their existence altogether. However, their existence is shown to us throughout the bible. Psalm 91:11-12 says “For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” Exodus 23:20 states “See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.” Their existence is yet one more piece of evidence of God’s love for us. He has given each a guardian angel of our own to watch out for us.
Click here for our list of Patron Saints.
Prayers for Protection and Guidance
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
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 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.
Prayer to Saint Benedict for Protection
Dear Saint Benedict, I thank God for showering you with His grace to love Him above all else and to establish a monastic rule that has helped so many of His children live full and holy lives. Through the cross of Jesus Christ, I ask you to please intercede that God might protect me, my loved ones, my home, property, possessions, and workplace today and always by your holy blessing, that we may never be separated from Jesus, Mary, and the company of all the blessed. Through your intercession may we be delivered from temptation, spiritual oppression, physical ills, and disease. Protect us from drug and alcohol abuse, impurity and immorality, objectionable companions, and negative attitudes. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Related Patron Saint Jewelry and Rosaries
Buy some beautiful St. Michael, St. Benedict, St. Christopher or Guardian Angel jewelry to keep you or your loved one close to the patron saint of protection and be a symbol of your faith.