Guardian Angel Prayer

Angels were created by God. They are spirits with no bodies, and they have understanding and free will (cf. Baltimore Catechism).

“…With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they ‘always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven’ (Mt. 18:10), they are the ‘mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word’ (Ps. 103:20)” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 329).

“From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their [the angels’] watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life …” (CCC, 336).

The baptized definitely have guardian angels. But “according to the general teaching of the theologians … not only every baptized person, but every human being, including unbelievers, has his own special guardian angel …” (Ludwig Ott, Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma).

“Be alert in your every action as one should be who is accompanied by angels in all your ways, for that mission has been enjoined upon them. In whatever lodging, in whatever nook or corner you may find yourself, cherish a reverence for your guardian angel. In his presence do not dare to do anything you would not do in mine. Or do you doubt his presence because you do not see him? Would it really help if you did hear him, or touch him, or smell him? Remember, there are realities whose existence has not been proven by mere sight.

“Brethren, we will love God’s angels with a most affectionate love; for they will be our heavenly co-heirs some day, these spirits who now are sent by the Father to be our protectors and our guides. With such bodyguards, what are we to fear? They can neither be subdued nor deceived; nor is there any possibility at all that they should go astray who are to guard us in all our ways. They are trustworthy, they are intelligent, they are strong—why, then, do we tremble? We need only to follow them, remain close to them, and we will dwell in the protection of the Most High God….” (St. Bernard of Clairvaux).

The Church celebrates the Memorial of the Guardian Angels on October 2. In the Opening Prayer for the Mass, the Church prays, “O God, who in your unfathomable providence are pleased to send your holy Angels to guard us, hear our supplication as we cry to you, that we may always be defended by their protection and rejoice eternally in their company. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

Throughout the day, we should remember the presence of our own special guardian angel and pray for his help. (And remember to thank God for this special gift!) The beautiful Guardian Angel prayer is a traditional way that people have asked the help of their guardian angels.