How to Pray the Chaplet of St. Michael A Simple Guide to a Powerful PrayerThe Chaplet of St. Michael is a beautiful devotion in the Catholic tradition, honoring St. Michael the Archangel and the nine choirs of angels. It is a powerful spiritual practice believed to offer protection, guidance, and intercession in times of need. This chaplet is not just a prayer it’s a spiritual journey, inviting you to connect with heaven’s warriors.
Who Is St. Michael the Archangel?
St. Michael is one of the chief angels mentioned in the Bible. He is known as the defender of God’s people, a protector against evil, and the leader of the heavenly armies. In Catholic tradition, St. Michael plays a vital role in spiritual warfare and is often invoked for strength and protection.
What Is the Chaplet of St. Michael?
The Chaplet of St. Michael is a special prayer devotion composed of invocations to the nine choirs of angels Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. It was revealed to a Portuguese nun, Antonia d’Astonac, in the 18th century and later approved by Pope Pius IX.
Praying this chaplet allows you to seek the intercession of the angels and draw closer to God through their guidance and protection.
Benefits of Praying the Chaplet of St. Michael
Praying the Chaplet of St. Michael is said to bring many spiritual benefits
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Protection from evil and temptation
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Strength in spiritual battles
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Guidance in difficult situations
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Greater awareness of the angelic presence
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Deeper devotion to God
This chaplet is especially helpful during times of fear, anxiety, or spiritual dryness.
What You Need Before You Begin
To pray the Chaplet of St. Michael, you can use a special chaplet rosary made for this devotion. It includes
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A medal of St. Michael
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Nine groups of three beads (for each choir of angels)
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Four additional beads for concluding prayers
If you don’t have a chaplet, you can still pray it by counting the prayers on your fingers or a standard rosary.
How to Pray the Chaplet of St. Michael Step-by-Step Guide
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross
Start your prayer with the Sign of the Cross to center yourself in God’s presence.
2. Say the Opening Prayer
‘O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.’
3. First Salutation – To the Seraphim
Say one Our Father and three Hail Marys ‘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.’
Repeat this pattern for each of the following choirs
4. Second Salutation – To the Cherubim
‘By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Cherubim, may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the path of Christian perfection. Amen.’
5. Third Salutation – To the Thrones
‘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.’
6. Fourth Salutation – To the Dominions
‘By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Dominions, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions. Amen.’
7. Fifth Salutation – To the Virtues
‘By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil and falling into temptation. Amen.’
8. Sixth Salutation – To the Powers
‘By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Powers, may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.’
9. Seventh Salutation – To the Principalities
‘By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.’
10. Eighth Salutation – To the Archangels
‘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. Amen.’
11. Ninth Salutation – To the Angels
‘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 in the life to come to heaven. Amen.’
For each salutation, say one Our Father and three Hail Marys.
Final Prayers After the Nine Salutations
Once all nine salutations are complete, end with these prayers
1. One Our Father each in honor of
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St. Michael
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St. Gabriel
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St. Raphael
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Your Guardian Angel
2. Closing Prayer
‘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. Amen.’
When to Pray the Chaplet of St. Michael
There’s no fixed time to pray the chaplet, but it is especially meaningful on
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Tuesdays (a day traditionally associated with angels)
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Feast of St. Michael and All Angels (September 29)
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Times of spiritual warfare or personal trial
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As part of a daily or weekly devotion
You can pray it alone or as a group, and even include it in your family prayer routine.
Final Thoughts A Powerful Connection With the Heavenly Host
Praying the Chaplet of St. Michael is more than a devotion it is a deep spiritual act that connects you with God’s mighty angels. It is both a shield and a call to holiness, reminding you that you are not alone in your journey of faith.
In times of darkness or doubt, this chaplet serves as a reminder of God’s power, the strength of His angels, and the promise of divine protection. Whether you’re new to this devotion or returning to it, the Chaplet of St. Michael can be a powerful part of your prayer life.