Prayers to the Holy Archangel Michael
Prayer I
O holy and great Michael, archangel of God, first among the angels that stand before the ineffable and transcendent Trinity, steward and protector of the human race, who with thine armies crushed the head of the prideful Morning Star in heaven and dost ever put to shame his malice and designs on earth: to thee do we flee with faith, and to thee do we pray with love. Be thou an indestructible shield and a firm rampart for the holy Church and our homeland, protecting them with thy sword of lightning from all enemies, visible and invisible. Be thou a most wise guide and angel guardian for our civil authorities, bringing them enlightenment and power, joy, peace, and consolation from the throne of the King of kings. Be thou a captain and an invincible comrade in arms to our armed forces, crowning them with glory and victories over the foe, that all that oppose us may know that God and His holy angels are with us. Leave not bereft of thy help and assistance us that glorify thy holy name this day, O archangel of God; for, lo! though we be great sinners, yet do we not wish to perish in our iniquities, but to turn to the Lord and be kept alive by Him to do good works. Therefore, illumine our minds with the light of the countenance of God, which ever shineth on thy lightning-like brow, that we may understand that the will of God in our regard is good and perfect, and that we might know those things which we ought to do and those things to disdain and shun. With the grace of the Lord do thou strengthen our weak will and feeble resolve, that, made steadfast in the law of the Lord, we may cease henceforth to be tossed to and fro by earthly thoughts and the lusts of the flesh, distracted like senseless children by the quickly fading beauties of this world, foolishly to forget those things that are eternal and heavenly for the sake of that which is corruptible and earthly. And, above all these things, do thou ask for us the spirit of true repentance from on high, unfeigned godly sorrow, and contrition for our sins, that we may complete the number of days which remain to us of this transitory life, not wasting them in gratification of our senses and slavery to our passions, but wiping out the evil things we have done with tears of faith and contrition of heart, with struggles of purity and holy deeds of lovingkindness. And when the hour of our repose and liberation from the bonds of this body of clay draweth nigh, O archangel of God, leave us not defenseless against the spirits of wickedness in high places, which are wont to impede the ascent of man's soul on high; that, protected by thee, we may attain unhindered those most glorious mansions of paradise, where there is neither sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting, and may be vouchsafed to behold the all-radiant countenance of our most beneficent Lord and Master and render Him glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer II
O holy archangel Michael, luminous and awesome captain of the heavenly King! Before the fearsome Judgment, set me free, that I may repent of my sins; deliver my soul from the snares of the pursuers and lead it to God, Who created it, Who sitteth upon the cherubim, and do thou earnestly pray in its behalf, that by thy mediation He may send it to a place of rest. O dread captain of the hosts of heaven, intercessor for all at the throne of Christ the Master, steadfast protector of all men and wise warrior, mighty general of the heavenly King, have mercy on me, a sinner, who am in need of thine assistance; protect me from all enemies, visible and invisible, and, still more, fortify me against the fear of death and the vexation of the devils; and make me worthy to stand unashamed before our Creator at the hour of His dread and righteous Judgment. O most holy and great Michael, supreme commander, disdain me not, a sinner, who entreat thee for thy help and aid in this world and in that which is to come, but vouchsafe me there to glorify with thee the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages. Amen.