Tuesday 29 September 2020

Prayers for the Feast of Michael & All Angels

St Michael's Victory over the Devil (Detail), Sir Jacob Epstein, 1958

Michael is regarded as the protector of Christians from the devil, particularly those at the hour of death. He is the patron saint of police officers. 


An angel announced the birth of Christ to Mary. Let us pray for all messengers of God; all bishops, priests and deacons, for all in ministerial training and for the recently ordained. 

Blessed Lord of angels and archangels,
Lighten the path of all ministers of your church as they walk in the way of Christ; that they may grow in His likeness and persevere until they join Him in eternal life.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us

Angels announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds with great joy, proclaiming “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

Blessed Lord of angels and archangels,
May we glorify your name this day in all we do.
May your truth be found on our lips and your love in our hearts.
Guide us as we seek to end the animosity, anger and violence that separates us from your eternal peace.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us

Angels ministered to Christ in the wilderness during his time of temptation. Let us pray for all those working to support and protect others from harm; asking for God’s blessing especially today for the work of police officers.

Blessed Lord of angels and archangels,
Give your angels charge over us, to guard us against the powers of evil.
May they encircle and protect us,
So that we may serve you better
And never lose our vision of your heavenly glory.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us

An angel gave Christ strength in the Garden of Gethsemane at his time of trial. We pray for the oppressed, all who suffer and all who feel lost and abandoned.

Blessed Lord of angels and archangels,
Strengthen us in our pain and distress, when we feel isolated and alone, when it seems as though we have been forsaken and abandoned.
May the angels and archangels watch over us with tenderness and lead us towards your outstretched arms.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us

Angels announced Christ’s resurrection from the dead. We give thanks for the assurance of the resurrection life and pray for all the faithful departed.

Blessed Lord of angels and archangels,
Receive with mercy all who have recently died; those who have died as a result of the coronavirus. All those we love and see no longer
May they, with the angels in heaven, shine before us, guiding us towards your eternal Kingdom.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us

Angels were present at the Ascension of our Lord. Let us live this day in readiness for his coming again, in glory.

Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us


Collect
Everlasting God,
you have ordained and constituted
      the ministries of angels and mortals in a wonderful order:
grant that as your holy angels always serve you in heaven,
so, at your command,
they may help and defend us on earth;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

(Adapted from a litany written by Reverend John Michael Mountney)

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