This Catholic prayer is written to help you pray with the Church. When spiritual battles arise and evil influences threaten our peace, the Catholic tradition offers powerful prayers for deliverance and protection.
These sacred prayers have been treasured by Catholics for generations, providing refuge and strength against spiritual darkness. Through Christ’s authority and the intercession of our heavenly allies, we find freedom from oppression.
The Church teaches us that Ephesians 6:11 reminds us to put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Each prayer in this collection carries the weight of centuries of faithful devotion, offering comfort and protection to those seeking deliverance.
Traditional Catholic Deliverance Prayers
As Scripture declares in James 4:7, we must submit to God and resist the devil, and he will flee from us. These prayers embody this truth through the Church’s wisdom.
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Approach these prayers with reverence and faith, trusting in Christ’s victory over all evil.
1. Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
This powerful prayer was composed by Pope Leo XIII after a vision of spiritual warfare. Catholics pray this prayer for protection against demonic forces and spiritual enemies.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
Revelation 12:7 (NKJV) — And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon
2. Prayer of Exorcism by Pope Leo XIII
This solemn prayer was authorized by Pope Leo XIII for use by priests and faithful in spiritual warfare. It calls upon Christ’s authority to command evil spirits to depart.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, strengthened by the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Blessed Michael the Archangel, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and all the Saints, and powerful in the holy authority of our ministry, we confidently undertake to repulse the attacks and deceits of the devil.
God arises; His enemies are scattered and those who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, so are they driven; as wax melts before the fire, so the wicked perish at the presence of God.
Psalm 68:1 (NKJV) — Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered
3. Prayer for Deliverance from Evil
This traditional Catholic prayer seeks God’s protection from all forms of evil and spiritual oppression. It is often prayed during times of particular spiritual attack or distress.
Almighty God, You are our refuge and our fortress, our God in whom we trust. Deliver us from the snare of the devil and from every evil influence that seeks to harm us. Cast out all spirits of darkness that would oppress us, and surround us with Your holy angels.
By the power of Your Son Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death, we claim victory over every force of evil. Let no weapon formed against us prosper, and let every tongue that rises in judgment be condemned.
We place ourselves under the mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary and ask for the protection of St. Michael and all the holy angels.
Amen.
4. Prayer Against Malefice
This prayer addresses supernatural attacks and curses, seeking God’s protection against all forms of occult influence. It has been used by Catholics when confronting witchcraft or evil spells.
Lord Jesus Christ, You came to destroy the works of the devil. We humbly ask You to free us from every curse, spell, or malefice that may have been directed against us. Break every chain of evil that binds us and deliver us from all occult influences.
By Your precious Blood shed on Calvary, cleanse us from every defilement. By Your holy wounds, heal every spiritual wound inflicted upon us. By Your glorious resurrection, grant us victory over every evil power.
We renounce every involvement with the occult, whether conscious or unconscious, and we place ourselves completely under Your lordship.
Amen.
1 John 3:8 (NKJV) — He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil
5. Prayer for Spiritual Cleansing
This prayer seeks purification from spiritual contamination and the restoration of God’s grace. Catholics pray this when feeling spiritually defiled or oppressed by evil influences.
Heavenly Father, cleanse us with the precious Blood of Your Son Jesus Christ. Wash away every stain of sin and every trace of evil influence from our souls. Purify our hearts, minds, and bodies from all spiritual contamination.
Fill us anew with Your Holy Spirit and restore us to the dignity of children of God. Let Your light shine in every dark corner of our being, driving out all shadows and deception.
Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. May we walk in newness of life, free from every bondage of the enemy.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
6. Prayer to the Sacred Heart for Protection
This devotional prayer seeks refuge in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, asking for His divine protection against all spiritual enemies. It emphasizes Christ’s love as our shield against evil.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore You, I love You, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to Your will.
Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in You and for You. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death.
Within Your Heart I place my every care. In every need let me come to You with humble trust saying, Heart of Jesus, help me.
Amen.
Psalm 91:2 (NKJV) — I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust
7. Prayer for Family Protection
This prayer consecrates the entire family to God’s protection, creating a spiritual hedge around the home and loved ones. It is traditionally prayed by the head of the household.
Almighty and eternal God, we consecrate our family to You. Bless our home and all who dwell within it. Surround us with Your holy angels and keep us safe from every evil influence.
Let no spirit of division, discord, or temptation enter our dwelling. May our home be a sanctuary of peace, love, and holiness where Your name is honored and Your will is done.
Protect our children from every snare of the enemy. Guide our steps in the paths of righteousness and keep us faithful to Your commandments.
We place our family under the mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary and ask for the intercession of St. Joseph, protector of the Holy Family.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Joshua 24:15 (NKJV) — But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord
Closing Encouragement
These sacred prayers remind us that Christ has already won the victory over evil. When we pray with the Church, we participate in this triumph. Trust in God’s power to deliver and protect you through these time-tested prayers.
Remember that spiritual warfare in sleep and waking hours requires constant vigilance and prayer. God’s deliverance from shame and oppression comes through faithful prayer and trust in His mercy.
May these prayers bring you the peace and protection that comes from walking closely with Christ. Continue to seek protection and deliverance in times of trouble through the rich tradition of Catholic prayer.
As you incorporate these prayers into your spiritual life, remember to approach them with faith and reverence. Give thanksgiving for deliverance and seek peace through prayer as you grow in spiritual freedom.
Whether you seek deliverance and divine intervention, freedom and healing, or deliverance from satanic bondage, these traditional Catholic prayers offer hope and spiritual strength through Christ’s victory.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Part of Our Catholic Prayer Collection
This prayer belongs to 10 Catholic Prayers for the Dead: Traditional Prayers to Honor Departed Souls within our complete guide: 15 Essential Catholic Mass Prayers and Responses: Traditional Guide.
FAQ
What is the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel used for?
Catholics pray this prayer, composed by Pope Leo XIII, for protection against demonic forces and spiritual enemies. It asks St. Michael to defend believers in spiritual battle and thrust Satan and evil spirits into hell through God's power. The prayer draws on Scripture's account of Michael's warfare against evil in Revelation 12:7.
When should I pray deliverance prayers?
Deliverance prayers are appropriate during times of spiritual attack, oppression, or when you sense evil influences threatening your peace. You might also pray them as preventive spiritual protection or when facing particular struggles with temptation. The Church teaches that submitting to God and resisting the devil, as James 4:7 describes, is part of our spiritual armor.
How do Catholic deliverance prayers work?
These prayers work through faith in Christ's authority over evil and the intercession of the Church and saints. When prayed with reverence and trust, they invoke God's power to protect against spiritual darkness and break chains of oppression. The prayers rely on Christ's victory over sin and death, which gives believers authority to resist demonic influence.
What is the Prayer Against Malefice used for?
This traditional Catholic prayer addresses supernatural attacks, curses, and occult influences, seeking God's protection and freedom from these spiritual threats. It calls upon Christ's power to break evil chains and cleanse believers from defilement through His blood shed on Calvary. Catholics use it when confronting witchcraft or malicious spiritual attacks.
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