The novena candle dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel is a powerful spiritual object used by many of the faithful to invoke the protection and intercession of this holy warrior against the forces of evil. Saint Michael is one of the most venerated saints in the Christian tradition, particularly in Catholicism, where he is considered the defender of the Church and the leader of the heavenly armies. Praying to Saint Michael through a novena candle allows you to concentrate your prayers for nine consecutive days, asking for his protection against spiritual and material dangers. This text explores the origin of this devotion, the significance of the novena candle, and how to pray to Saint Michael for his protection and guidance.
Who is Saint Michael the Archangel?
Saint Michael the Archangel is one of the three archangels named in the Bible, alongside Gabriel and Raphael. His name, Mikha'el, means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew, reflecting his role as defender of divine sovereignty. In the Bible, Saint Michael appears mainly in the Book of Revelation, where he leads the heavenly armies against the forces of evil, particularly in the battle against Satan and his fallen angels (Revelation 12:7-9).
The archangel Saint Michael is seen as a powerful protector against evil. He is often depicted with a sword or spear, slaying a dragon, the symbol of Satan. This image makes him a key figure for those seeking to defend themselves against evil spiritual forces or to overcome life's difficulties with courage and determination.
The Saint Michael novena candle
A novena candle is a candle specially designed to burn for nine days, symbolising continuous and persistent prayer. The Saint Michael novena candle is used to invoke the protection and help of this archangel in difficult situations, whether spiritual trials, demonic attacks, situations of physical danger or moments of personal crisis.
The novena, which consists of praying for nine consecutive days, has its origins in the nine days of prayer by the apostles and the Virgin Mary between the Ascension and Pentecost, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit. Since then, the novena has become a common practice in Catholicism for asking for special graces or divine help in situations of need.
The Saint Michael novena candle is often adorned with an image of the archangel in armour, with a sword or spear, defeating the dragon or Satan. It may also feature a printed prayer, which the faithful can recite each day of the novena. The candle's flame symbolises divine light and the continuous presence of Saint Michael, who watches over and protects.
Why pray with a Saint Michael novena candle?
Praying with a Saint Michael the Archangel novena candle has a profound meaning for believers who seek his protection against the forces of evil. Saint Michael is a spiritual warrior, a protector against the devil's attacks and a guide in times of spiritual struggle.
a) Protection against evil
Saint Michael is primarily invoked for protection against the spiritual forces of evil. Believers use the novena candle to protect themselves against temptations, demonic oppression or negative influences that could affect their lives or homes. Lighting a candle in his honour is an act of faith to ward off darkness and call divine light to protect souls from the attacks of evil.
b) Strength and courage in times of trial
Saint Michael is also a source of strength and courage in times of trial. He is seen as a courageous and determined archangel, who fights for the glory of God and the protection of the faithful. Praying to Saint Michael with a novena candle can help to find the inner strength needed to overcome life's difficulties, whether physical, emotional or spiritual.
c) Assistance in spiritual battles
Spiritual battles are a reality for many believers, who sometimes feel oppressions, temptations or spiritual attacks in their daily lives. Saint Michael, being the leader of the heavenly armies, is invoked to help overcome these forces and restore inner peace. People suffering from spiritual anxieties, fears or doubts often use the Saint Michael novena to ask for his protection and divine intervention in their fight against evil.
How to pray with a Saint Michael novena candle
The novena is a continuous prayer that spans nine days, with each day dedicated to invoking Saint Michael for a particular protection or request for grace. Here is a guide to praying with a novena candle to St Michael the Archangel.
a) Preparing your intention
Before lighting the candle, it is essential to think about the intention for which you are praying. This could be a request for protection for yourself, your family or your home, or a request for strength to overcome a particular trial. It is important to formulate this intention clearly in your heart.
b) Lighting the candle
Light the Saint Michael novena candle in a safe place conducive to prayer. Lighting the candle symbolises the invocation of divine light and the continued presence of Saint Michael in your prayer. This moment marks the beginning of your novena, and each day the light of the candle will remind you of your spiritual commitment.
c) Recite the novena prayer to Saint Michael
Recite a prayer dedicated to Saint Michael, which can be printed on the candle or chosen from the many prayers available. Here is an example of a novena prayer to Saint Michael:
O glorious Saint Michael the Archangel, prince of the heavenly hosts, come to my aid in this spiritual battle. Protect me from the snares of the devil and from all the forces of evil that seek to lead me astray. By your strength and light, remove from me all evil influences and guide me on the path of righteousness.
I entrust to you today this particular intention (name your intention), and I ask you to intercede with God to grant me the grace I need. Be my shield and protector against visible and invisible enemies. Amen.
d) Pray every day for nine days
Conserve a moment each day for prayer before the lighted candle. Recite the novena prayer and take a few minutes to meditate on your intention. The novena is a persevering act of faith, and it is important to pray steadfastly and confidently throughout the nine days, even if the results are not immediate.
e) Closing the novena
On the ninth day, close the novena with a prayer of thanks to Saint Michael, whatever the outcome of your request. Thank the archangel for his protection and intercession, and entrust to him the continuation of your spiritual journey. You can also offer a moment of silence or meditation to acknowledge the divine grace received during this period of prayer.
Where to buy a novena candle to Saint Michael?
Novena candles to Saint Michael the Archangel are available in churches, religious shops and online. They are often adorned with an image of Saint Michael in armour, ready to fight evil, and accompanied by a printed prayer. When buying a novena candle, be sure to choose a quality candle designed to burn for nine days without interruption.
Christian shops offer Saint Michael novena candles, often with different artistic representations of the archangel. They are also available around shrines dedicated to Saint Michael, such as Mont-Saint-Michel in France, an important pilgrimage site for devotees of this archangel.
The importance of faith in praying to Saint Michael
Praying to Saint Michael is based on faith in the power of angelic intercession and the belief that God grants His protection to those who fervently invoke Saint Michael. By praying with a novena candle, believers express their confidence in Saint Michael's ability to defend them against the forces of evil and guide them along the path of light.
Faith in Saint Michael's intercession is particularly powerful for those going through times of spiritual struggle or who feel the need to protect themselves against negative influences. The novena is a persistent act of devotion, and although the results are not always immediate, faith and prayer often bring inner peace, renewed courage and tangible spiritual protection.
Conclusion
The novena candle dedicated to St Michael the Archangel is a powerful spiritual tool for invoking protection from evil and asking for help in times of trial. Lighting a candle and praying for nine days is an act of faith and perseverance, a way of inviting Saint Michael to enter our lives to defend us, guide us and give us the strength we need to overcome difficulties. As the prince of the heavenly armies, Saint Michael is a strong and reliable protector, always ready to fight for the glory of God and the defence of the faithful.
