The “Prayer for Protection from Sudden Death” draws inspiration from St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church, who taught believers to “keep death before our eyes” while trusting completely in God’s mercy. This prayer asks for the grace to live each day prepared to meet God, to receive the sacraments frequently, and to practice daily “dying to self” so that death may come as a friend rather than a stranger. It invokes the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, St. Joseph (patron of a happy death), and our guardian angels, while begging for the grace of final perseverance and a death precious in God’s sight, whenever and however it may come.
Most loving Father, You who know the hour of my death, though I do not, grant me the grace to live each day as if it were my last, yet without anxiety or fear.
Through the intercession of St. Francis de Sales, who taught us to keep death always before our eyes while trusting entirely in Your mercy, I beg You to preserve me from sudden and unprepared death.
Grant that I may frequently receive the sacraments with devotion, especially Holy Communion and Confession, that I may always be ready to meet You.
Help me to practice that “little death” of self-will each day, dying to my own desires and living for You alone, so that when my final hour comes, death may find me as a friend rather than a stranger.
Should You call me suddenly, may the Holy Name of Jesus be on my lips and in my heart. May Our Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, the patron of a happy death, and my guardian angel assist me in that hour.
Above all, O Lord, grant me the grace of final perseverance and a death precious in Your sight, whenever and however it may come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The “Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel” devotion was revealed by Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Portuguese Carmelite nun Antónia d’Astónaco in 1751. This prayer honors Saint Michael the Archangel and the nine choirs of angels through nine salutations. The devotion carries Christ’s own promise that whoever prays this chaplet daily will be accompanied by an angel from each of the nine choirs during their lifetime and at the hour of death, making it both a shield of protection and a pathway to the heavenly court.
V:/ O God, come to my assistance, R:/ O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Salutation #1 By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim, may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace…
Salutation #2 By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim, may the Lord vouchsafe to grant us grace to leave the ways of wickedness; to run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace…
Salutation #3 By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones, may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace…
Salutation #4 By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and subdue our unruly passions. Amen
Our Father, Who art in heaven… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace…
Salutation #5 By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil and suffer us not to fall into temptation. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace…
Salutation #6 By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers, may the Lord vouchsafe to protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace…
Salutation #7 By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace…
Salutation #8 By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels, may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works, in order that we gain the glory of Paradise. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace…
Salutation #9 By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels, may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted hereafter to eternal glory. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace… Hail Mary, full of grace…
In honor of St. Michael Our Father, Who art in heaven…
In honor of St. Gabriel Our Father, Who art in heaven…
In honor of St. Raphael Our Father, Who art in heaven…
In honor of our Guardian Angel Our Father, Who art in heaven…
Concluding Prayers O glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue, deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence, and enable us by your gracious protection, to serve God more and more faithfully every day.
V:/ Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ,
R:/ that we may be made worthy of His promises.
Let us pray:
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who, by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most glorious Archangel St. Michael… Prince of Your Church. Make us worthy, we ask You, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into Your Presence. This we ask through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The “Universal Prayer for All Things Necessary for Salvation” was composed by Pope Clement XI, who served as the 243rd Pope of the Catholic Church from 1700 to 1721. The prayer petitions for personal sanctification, intercession for others, and the needs of the universal Church, and serves as an excellent daily prayer for Catholics seeking to encompass all their spiritual needs and those of the world in a single, comprehensive devotion.
Universal Prayer for All Things Necessary for Salvation
O my God, I believe in Thee; do Thou strengthen my faith. All my hopes are in Thee; do Thou secure them. I love Thee with my whole heart; teach me to love Thee daily more and more. I am sorry that I have offended Thee; do Thou increase my sorrow.
I adore Thee as my first beginning; I aspire after Thee as my last end. I give Thee thanks as my constant benefactor; I call upon Thee as my sovereign protector.
Vouchsafe, O my God, to conduct me by Thy wisdom, to restrain me by Thy justice, to comfort me by Thy mercy, to defend me by Thy power.
To Thee I desire to consecrate all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings; that henceforward I may think of Thee, speak of Thee, constantly refer all my actions to Thy greater glory, and suffer willingly whatever Thou shalt appoint.
Lord, I desire that in all things Thy will may be done; because it is Thy will, in the manner that Thou will, and as long as Thou will.
I beg of Thee to enlighten my understanding, to inflame my will, to purify my body, and to sanctify my soul.
Grant that I be not puffed up with pride, moved by flattery, deceived by the world, or duped by the devil.
Give me grace to purify my memory, to bridle my tongue, to restrain my eyes, and to mortify my senses.
Give me strength, O my God, to expiate my offences, to overcome temptations, to subdue my passions, and to acquire the virtues proper for my state.
Fill my heart with tender affection for Thy goodness, a hatred for my faults, a love for my neighbor, and a contempt of the world.
Let me always remember to be submissive to my superiors, condescending to my inferiors, faithful to my friends, and charitable to my enemies.
Grant, O Jesus, that I may remember Thy precept and example, by loving my enemies, bearing with injuries, doing good to them that persecute me, and praying for them that slander me.
Assist me to overcome sensuality by mortification, avarice by alms-deeds, anger by meekness, and tepidity by devotion.
O my God, make me prudent in my undertakings, courageous in dangers, patient in afflictions, and humble in prosperity.
Grant that I may be ever attentive at my prayers, temperate at my meals, diligent in my employments, and constant in my good resolutions.
Let my conscience be ever upright and pure, my exterior modest, my conversation edifying, and my life according to rule.
Assist me, that I may continually labor to overcome nature, to correspond with Thy grace, to keep Thy commandments, and to work out my salvation.
Help me to obtain holiness of life by a sincere confession of my sins, by a devout reception of the Body of Christ, by a continual recollection of mind, and a pure intention of heart.
Discover to me, O my God, the nothingness of this world, the greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, and the length of eternity.
Grant that I may prepare for death, that I may fear Thy judgments, that I may escape hell, and in the end obtain heaven, through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
The “Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel” is a powerful prayer of protection and spiritual warfare, asking for the intercession of the mighty Archangel Michael against Satan and evil forces. This beloved prayer calls upon St. Michael, known as the “Prince of the Heavenly Host,” to defend us in our spiritual battles and to cast Satan and all evil spirits into hell by the power of God.
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.
The “Daily Prayer for Divine Protection” is a powerful prayer encouraged to be prayed at the start of each day for complete spiritual protection and divine care. Composed by St. Edmund, this intimate prayer allows us to place our souls, loved ones, friends, and even enemies into God’s hands and the care of His holy angels, while seeking protection from evil, sin, temptation, and sudden death. More than just a prayer for safety, this beautiful invocation asks for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, grace to remain obedient to God’s commandments, and the blessing of never being separated from our Triune God.
O Lord, into your hands and into the hands of your holy angels, this day I entrust my soul, my relatives, my benefactors, my friends and enemies, and all who confess your holy name.
O Lord, by the merits and prayers of your son, Jesus Christ, keep me today from all evil and unruly desires, from all sins and temptations of the devil, from a sudden and unprovided death, and from the pains of hell. Enlighten my heart with the grace of your Holy Spirit. Grant that I may ever be obedient to your commandments. Let me never be separated from you, O God, who lives and reigns forever, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
This “Prayer for St. Joseph’s Intercession” prayer captures both St. Joseph’s powerful intercession before God and the tender image of him holding the child Jesus. It is widely claimed that this powerful prayer was found in the 50th year of Our Lord (around 50 AD), making it nearly 2,000 years old according to tradition.
According to tradition, this particular prayer comes with certain promises or assurances, including that: 1. Those who read this prayer or hear it or carry it will not die suddenly 2. They will not drown 3. They will not fall victim to poison 4. They will not fall into the hands of the enemy nor be burned in a fire 5. They will not be overpowered in battle
O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me, from your Divine Son, all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; so that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers.
O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.
“Psalms For Divine Protection and Mercy” brings together four powerful Psalms focused on divine protection, mercy, and spiritual refuge. Psalms 23, 91, 70, and 51 are timeless prayers that speak to God’s guidance, shelter, swift aid, and infinite mercy. These sacred verses have brought comfort and strength to countless souls throughout history. For those seeking peace, protection, or spiritual renewal, these ancient words resonate with enduring truth.
Even in our moments of weakness and regret, Psalm 23 reminds us that God, our gentle Shepherd, offers comfort and guidance, leading us from the shadows of our mistakes to the light of His forgiveness.
The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days.
When we feel vulnerable in the face of our shortcomings, Psalm 91 assures us that God’s protective embrace can shield us from the consequences of our missteps and the weight of our guilt.
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shade of the Almighty, Say to the LORD, “My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.” He will rescue you from the fowler’s snare, from the destroying plague, He will shelter you with his pinions, and under his wings you may take refuge; his faithfulness is a protecting shield. You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness, nor the plague that ravages at noon. Though a thousand fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, near you it shall not come. You need simply watch; the punishment of the wicked you will see. Because you have the LORD for your refuge and have made the Most High your stronghold, No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent. 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. You can tread upon the asp and the viper, trample the lion and the dragon. Because he clings to me I will deliver him; because he knows my name I will set him on high. He will call upon me and I will answer; I will be with him in distress; I will deliver him and give him honor. With length of days I will satisfy him, and fill him with my saving power.
In the urgent moments when we recognize our faults and yearn for change, Psalm 70 gives voice to our plea for God’s swift intervention, reminding us that it’s never too late to call upon His help.
Graciously rescue me, God! Come quickly to help me, LORD! Let those who seek my life be confused and put to shame. Let those who desire my ruin turn back in disgrace. Let those who say “Aha!” turn back in their shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you, Those who long for your help always say, “God be glorified!” I am miserable and poor. God, come to me quickly! You are my help and deliverer. LORD, do not delay!
For those burdened by the weight of their sins, Psalm 51 offers David’s heartfelt plea for forgiveness as a model for our own journey back to God’s grace.
Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions. Thoroughly wash away my guilt; and from my sin cleanse me. For I know my transgressions; my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your eyes So that you are just in your word, and without reproach in your judgment. Behold, I was born in guilt, in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, you desire true sincerity; and secretly you teach me wisdom. Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. You will let me hear gladness and joy; the bones you have crushed will rejoice. Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my iniquities. A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit. Do not drive me from before your face, nor take from me your holy spirit. Restore to me the gladness of your salvation; uphold me with a willing spirit. I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you. Rescue me from violent bloodshed, God, my saving God, and my tongue will sing joyfully of your justice. Lord, you will open my lips; and my mouth will proclaim your praise. For you do not desire sacrifice or I would give it; a burnt offering you would not accept. My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.
An exploration of Psalm 91 through a Catholic lens, examining its themes of divine protection, angelic guardianship, and unwavering trust in God.
Listen As You Read
Psalm 91, often called the “Psalm of Protection”, is a beautiful and powerful prayer that resonates deeply with Catholics and Christians worldwide. This psalm speaks of God’s unfailing protection and the security we find when we place our trust in Him.
The Promise of Divine Protection
The psalm begins with a bold declaration:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)
This opening verse sets the tone for the entire psalm. It reminds us that when we make God our refuge, we find rest and protection under His wings. As Catholics, we are called to dwell in God’s presence, not just occasionally, but continually.
God as Our Fortress
The psalmist uses powerful imagery to describe God’s protection:
“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2)
This metaphor of God as a fortress resonates with the Catholic understanding of God as our ultimate protector. Just as a fortress provides safety from external threats, God offers us spiritual protection from the dangers that threaten our souls.
Protection from Spiritual Dangers
The psalm speaks of protection from various dangers:
“Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.” (Psalm 91:3)
In our Catholic faith, we can interpret these dangers as spiritual threats – temptations, doubts, and the snares of the evil one. This verse reminds us of God’s promise to protect us from spiritual harm when we turn to Him in faith.
The Role of Angels
Psalm 91 also mentions angelic protection:
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)
This verse aligns beautifully with the Catholic teaching on guardian angels. We believe that God assigns each soul an angel for protection and guidance, a comforting thought that reinforces the psalm’s message of divine care.
Trust in Times of Trouble
The psalm assures us of God’s presence in times of trouble:
“He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:15)
This promise echoes throughout Catholic spirituality. In times of trial, we are encouraged to call upon God, trusting in His mercy and love.
Living in God’s Presence
Psalm 91 is more than a prayer for protection; it’s an invitation to live in constant awareness of God’s presence. As Catholics, we can take comfort in these words, knowing that our faith in God is not misplaced. Whether we face physical dangers, spiritual battles, or emotional turmoil, we can trust in the God who promises to be our refuge and fortress.
Let us strive to “dwell in the shelter of the Most High” each day, finding peace and strength in His unfailing love and protection.
The “Go to Joseph” Prayersinvoke the intercession and protection of St. Joseph in three parts. It appeals to St. Joseph’s roles as the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the foster father of Jesus, and the one entrusted with the care of the Son of God by the Eternal Father. Through these roles, the prayer pleads for St. Joseph’s pity, refuge, and deliverance from misfortunes, afflictions, and the consequences of sin, seeking his powerful intercession through his great love for Mary, Jesus, and God.
I. In the miseries of this vale of tears, to whom shall we have recourse, O blessed Joseph, if not to thee, to whom thy beloved spouse Mary entrusted all her rich treasures, that thou might keep them to our advantage?
“Go to my spouse, Joseph,” Mary seems to say to us, “and he will comfort you. He will deliver you from the misfortunes which now oppress you, and will make you happy and contented.”
Have pity on us, therefore, O St. Joseph; have pity on us through that love which thou didst cherish toward a spouse so worthy and amiable.
Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory Be …
II. We are fully conscious that we have offended the justice of God by our sins, and deserve His most severe chastisements. What shall be our place of refuge?
“Go to Joseph,” Jesus seems to say to us; “Go to Joseph, in whom I was well pleased, and whom I had for My foster father. To him, as to a father, I have communicated all power, that he may use it for your good according to his own desire.”
Pity us, therefore, O blessed Joseph, pity us for the great love thou didst bear toward a Son so admirable and so dear.
Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory Be …
III. Unhappily the sins we have committed call down upon the heaviest scourges: this we must confess. In what ark shall we take refuge in order to be saved? Where shall we find the blessed rainbow that shall give us comfort and hope in the midst of our afflictions?
“Go to Joseph,” the Eternal Father seems to say to us. “Go to him who took My place on earth with regard to My Son-made-man. I entrusted to his keeping My Son, Who is the unfailing source of grace.Therefore, every grace is in his hands.”
Pity us, then, dear St. Joseph, pity us by thy great love for Almighty God, Who has been so generous to thee.
The Daily Prayer for Protection Through the Precious Blood of Jesusis a plea for divine protection and spiritual guidance. It invokes the power of Jesus’ blood to safeguard the person and their loved ones from various forms of harm, including evil, sin, temptation, illness, and afflictions. Additionally, the prayer seeks to be filled with the Holy Spirit and granted wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discernment to live a righteous life in accordance with God’s glory.
Daily Prayer for Protection through the Precious Blood
Lord Jesus, by faith in Your merits, I now take Your Precious Blood and sprinkle it over myself and my loved ones right from the crown of my head to the very soles of my feet. I claim total and complete protection for my life and my loved ones. Lord Jesus, keep me free today from evil, sin, temptation, Satan’s attacks and afflictions, fear of darkness, fear of man, sickness, diseases, doubts, anger, all calamities and from all that is not of Your Kingdom.
Fill me Lord Jesus with the gift of Your Holy Spirit and grant me the gift of wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment so that I will live today in Your glory by doing that which is right.
I praise You, Jesus. I thank You, Jesus. I love You, Jesus. I adore You, Jesus.
Amen.
download this prayer from the “prayers for protection” digital prayer album
