From the vicar
At a time when many Christians are spending more time in prayer and the study of the scriptures than usual, I have been asked to comment on the need for protection from evil, specifically the attacks of the Devil.
Spiritual evil is a reality and anyone who has spent any serious time in prayer, the study of the scriptures or the service of God is likely to know about it. Usually we are protected by grace from evil spirits in whatever form they manifest themselves, but there are occasions when God allows us to experience what is going on around us. He does this not only for our own understanding, but to strengthen our faith. If this happens at a time when we are trying to be particularly close to God it can be especially frightening. Temptations to doubt, lethargy and our own besetting sins can aflict us more than usual and that is one thing, but a heightened awareness of evil is quite another.
To become aware of the true nature of evil can be disturbing and dangerous. It is easy to be tempted to back off and give up and that is what the devil wants. He has no pleasure in discovering that a new generation of prayer warriors is coming into being as a result of the present situation and he will fight it. It is important to pray for protection and if you feel you are in trouble to ask the blessed saints and other trusted souls to pray for you as well.
Some prayers which might be useful can be found below and are also available to download.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
A Personal Prayer
Lord, almighty, merciful and omnipotent God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
drive out from me all influence of evil spirits.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ,
I plead you to break any chain that the Devil has on me.
Pour upon me the most Precious Blood of your son.
May his immaculate and redeeming blood
break all bonds of my body or mind.
I ask you this through the intercession of
the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Archangel St. Michael, intercede and come to my help.
In the name of Jesus I command all demons
that could have any influence over me
to leave me forever.
By his scourging, his crown of thorns, his cross,
by his blood and resurrection,
I command all evil spirits to leave me.
By the true God, by the Holy God,
by God who can do all,
in the name of Jesus, my Saviour and Lord, leave me. Amen.
Source unknown
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me;
within your wounds hide me.
Let me never be separated from you.
From the malicious enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me
and bid me come unto you
that I may praise you with your saints
and with your angels,
forever and ever.
Amen.