ful conflict, which I, a frail and helpless creature, have to wage with the same enemy.
Be with me, O most mighty prince, that I may powerfully withstand, and successfully prevail over, that proud dragon, whom, by the divine power, thou gloriously overcamest, and whom Christ, our almighty king, overthrew in our nature which he took; that so I may both with thee triumph over the enemy, and with the holy angels continually praise the mercy of God, who has so tenderly permitted our race to rise again to grace after our fall, though, by a just judgment, he refused mercy to the bad angels, after the sin which was their ruin.
A Prayer to our holy Angel Guardian.
I adjure thee, angelic spirit, who art my faithful guardian and defender, to direct me, who have been entrusted to thy custody and protection, in the way of peace, prosperity, and salvation; and to defend me from every evil spirit and sore temptation.
Thou knowest, most tender guardian, that I am framed to the image of God himself, our Creator; redeemed from the power of Satan at so great a price as the blood of Christ, and committed by the providence of God to thy care and protection. And all for what purpose, but to secure one so mightily fenced by the goodness and mercy of God, from falling a prey to the envy of the enemy?
Let thy faithful assistance, therefore, preserve me, that such eminent tokens of the divine goodness may not be lost upon me. Most dear angel, I implore thee, by the love of the most merciful God, which preserved thee with the good angels in grace and glory, when the rest, who were reprobate, fell from the height of happiness by pride,— that, by thy aid and favour, I also may obtain the powerful assistance of God, to preserve me from danger of falling; and to keep me constant to the end in grace and good works, and in the love and service of God my Creator, until I come to behold him in my heavenly home, and am united with thee and all the saints, in praising him for ever and ever. Amen.
Another short Prayer to our holy Angel Guardian.
O angel of God, who art my guardian, enlighten, keep, govern, and direct me, this day, night, or hour, who by the divine goodness am entrusted to thy charge.
V. He hath given his angels charge over thee.
R. To keep thee in all thy ways.
Almighty and everlasting
