Prayer to One's Guardian Angel

The Church teaches that every person has a guardian angel, given by God to protect and guide us from birth to death. Jesus Himself said of little ones that "their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father" (Matthew 18:10). This prayer, found in classic Catholic prayer books, addresses our angel as a faithful companion who never leaves our side, and asks for protection of body and soul.

Pray it in the morning or at night, before a journey, or when you feel alone or afraid. It is especially fitting on October 2, the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, and it is a lovely prayer to teach children once they have learned the shorter Angel of God. Thank your angel, too; the saints recommended speaking to our guardian angel often.

The Prayer

O most faithful companion, appointed by God to be my guardian, and who never leavest my side, how shall I thank thee for thy faithfulness and love and for all the benefits which thou hast conferred upon me? Thou watchest over me while I sleep; thou comfortest me when I am sad; thou raisest me up when I fall; thou withstandest my enemies; thou preparest me for good works and removest from me occasions of sin. Leave me not, I beseech thee; but continue to protect me, that one day I may attain the reward of eternal glory. Amen.

Sources: Traditional guardian angel prayer; Lasance tradition, public domain.

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