29 September 2007

Prayer of the Church for the Feast of St. Michael & All Angels

O Almighty God, by whom all things were created that are in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers, we give You thanks and praise for all the benefits that we receive and daily enjoy through the ministry and protection of Your holy angels; for You have sent forth these good spirits to minister unto those whom You have made to be heirs of salvation and given them charge over us to keep us in all our ways and to bear us up in their hands, lest we dash our foot against a stone.

Teach us, we pray, at all times to be duly grateful for this good and gracious gift of Yours, and so enable us to follow the example of the good angels, who are Your ministers and do Your pleasure, that we, too, in willing obedience may in our several callings do what pleases You. As You have promised that we shall be like the angels in the resurrection and the life to come, give us grace to strive even in our pilgrimage on earth to be like them in love, humility, purity, and obedience.

Let them encompass us about like a strong wall. Let them encamp round about us like a mighty host, fighting for us against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and keeping us in all our ways. And since the great dragon, that old serpent the devil, together with his evil angels, is ever seeking to mar Your fair handiwork, to destroy churches and schools, and to subvert all law and order, we implore You, by Your grace and mercy, bring to naught his malicious designs, that he may have no power over us, but that we may retain Your Word in peace and quietness, and serve You with reverence and godly fear.

Let Your holy angels guide and protect all who are called to direct the affairs of Your Church, and guard the courts of Your tabernacle. May Your ministering spirits who excel in strength be round about all governments to protect them from evil, that peace and prosperity may be maintained throughout the earth. Commission them to guard all Christian homes from calamity and peril, and restrain the wicked spirit from stirring up discord, that love and joy and blessing may prevail. Grant the protection of Your holy angels unto Your servants who are sick or suffering in any way, whether of mind, body or estate, that they not despair of Your mercy.

Finally, O Father in heaven, as Your chosen angels always praise You and behold Your face, grant that we also here on earth may honor You, worship You, and declare Your glory. When we depart this world, let Your angels carry our souls into Abraham’s bosom; and when the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet, raise us from the dead, and let us see You face to face in Your kingdom, where, with all the holy angels and the elect, we shall honor, praise, and magnify You, with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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