Christian tradition has always understood the desert as the place of struggle against the powers of darkness. As we continue our spiritual battle--our nine days of prayer and fasting--we look to the Christian ascetics, the Desert Fathers, St. John the Baptist, and Christ Himself as examples in this holy and humble work.

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This reflection is part of a Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, in preparation for Michaelmas. Learn more here.

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Novena Prayer to St. Michael

Great Saint Michael, Prince of the Heavenly Host,

your name is a question filled with awe: "Who is like God?"

Your vocation is to reveal His power and His wisdom,

and so your name teaches us that nothing can compare with His might and goodness.

What is there that we cannot hope to receive from God's hand through your intercession and care?

We entrust to you the intentions we bring in this novena:

for Holy Church in Her trials; for our homelands so much in

need of healing and grace; for our families who are shielded

by the angels who guard us on our way to heaven;

for the sick; for sinners; for the dying;

for our dear, departed loved ones; and for protection

from all the forces of evil who oppose these intentions.

We expect great things and abundant blessings as we invoke you.

Christ the Lord is your King and ours; we are safe under your

shield and with your fiery sword of burning love for Him.

We thank you in advance for the gifts to be obtained in this

novena and promise in our gratitude to make your name

and devotion known as much as we are able.

Blessed be God, glorious in His fair hosts of angels led by you,

Michael, the leader of the bodiless powers of heaven!

Amen.

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