O everlasting God, who hast ordained and constituted the ministries of angels and men in a wonderful order: Mercifully grant that, as thy holy angels always serve and worship thee in heaven, so by thy appointment they may help and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER TO OUR PATRON SAINT
St. Michael the Archangel is one of the great protectors and messengers of God, celebrated in Scripture and honored throughout Christian tradition. His name means “Who is like God?”—a reminder of his steadfast devotion and loyalty to the Creator. In the Bible, St. Michael appears as a powerful leader of the heavenly hosts, defending the forces of good against evil. In the Book of Revelation, he leads the angels in battle against the dragon, symbolizing the triumph of God’s justice and truth over the powers of darkness (Revelation 12:7–9). For centuries, the Church has looked to St. Michael as a patron of strength, courage, and protection. In the Episcopal tradition, we remember him especially on the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels (often called Michaelmas), giving thanks for all the unseen ways that God’s messengers guard and guide us. St. Michael’s example calls us to stand firm in faith, to act with integrity, and to trust that God’s light ultimately prevails.