Prayer to Saint Benedict for protection from evil
O glorious Saint Benedict,
Patron of monks and spiritual guide, you who dedicated your life to prayer, work and the search for God,
I humbly come before you today, seeking your powerful intercession and protection from all evil.
Saint Benedict, you who repelled the forces of evil through your unshakeable faith in God,
I beg you to surround me with your holy protection, and to drive away from me all evil influence.
By the grace you have received from the Lord, defend me from temptations that would lead my soul astray,
From visible and invisible enemies that seek to harm me,
And from dark and negative thoughts that might turn me away from the light of God.
O St Benedict, master of prayer, you who gave us the Holy Cross as a powerful shield against evil,
I carry this cross within me, and I ask you to erect it between me and the forces of evil.
May it be for me a sign of faith and victory,
A bulwark that shelters me from the assaults of the devil,
And a light that illuminates my path in the darkness.
St. Benedict, you who crushed the snares of the enemy,
Give me the strength to resist temptations and to overcome the trials of life with courage and determination.
Through your intercession, remove from me every evil influence, every spirit of confusion, fear or despair.
Fill my heart with the peace of God, his infinite love, and the joy that comes from trusting in Him.
You who are a model of obedience to God's will,
Help me to remain faithful to my commitments to God,
To seek His presence in every moment of my life,
And to stand firm in my faith, even in the face of trials.
O great Saint Benedict, you who were an example of virtue and wisdom,
I ask you to watch over me and my family, to protect us from the dangers that might surround us,
And to grant us the inner peace and serenity that only God can offer.
I beseech you, Saint Benedict, intercede for me with the Lord,
That I may be protected from evil and the snares of the enemy.
That through your prayer I may be strengthened in my faith,
And that I may walk each day under God's benevolence,
Safe from temptations and spiritual attacks.
I turn to you, in all confidence,
Knowing that you never cease to pray for those who seek you with faith and devotion.
O St. Benedict, keep me under your protective mantle,
And by your cross, drive back every dark force from me.
Lord God, in your great mercy,
Give me the grace to live each day in your light and protection.
Through the intercession of Saint Benedict, grant that I may be delivered from evil and remain always united to you,
In faith, charity and hope.
Saint Benedict, protector of souls,
Pray for us and guide us on the path to eternal peace.
Amen.
Explanation:
This prayer to Saint Benedict highlights several aspects of spiritual protection. Saint Benedict is particularly renowned for his ability to drive out the forces of evil through his powerful faith. In praying to Saint Benedict, we call upon his Benedictine cross, a strong symbol of protection against evil. This prayer asks for Saint Benedict's intercession to ward off temptations, spiritual and physical dangers, while calling for peace and God's light.
Praying Saint Benedict is a way of protecting oneself, strengthening one's faith and placing oneself under divine benevolence in daily life. The prayer also evokes the courage of Saint Benedict, asking us to follow his example to remain firm in faith and virtue, even in the face of difficulties and temptations.