The Real Battle

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, you set St. Michael at the head of the heavenly host to defend your people and to cast down the powers of darkness. As I begin this novena, place me under his protection. Through his intercession, guard me in every danger of soul and body, and give me courage to stand firm in your truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Scripture reminds us that our deepest struggles are not finally against the people around us, but against unseen spiritual forces. This changes how we fight - and whom we blame. St. Michael, who knows the real enemy, teaches us to lift the battle to its true level and to wage it on our knees.

Lord, when I am tempted to wage war against the people in front of me, remind me where the real battle lies. Through the intercession of St. Michael, help me to see the unseen, to fight temptation rather than my neighbor, and to take up my struggles in prayer. Defend me against every spiritual enemy. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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 you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.