Every person, at Holy Baptism, receives a Guardian Angel — the unseen friend who accompanies us all our life, defends us from dangers and prays for us. The Guardian Angel Prayer is one of the simplest and most beloved prayers of childhood — and it remains one of the most powerful in adulthood.
The short text (the well-known one)
O Angel of God,
my holy guardian,
keep me from all evil,
enlighten me with the light of thy holiness
and guide me to everlasting life. Amen.
The long text (from the Orthodox Horologion)
O Holy Angel, guardian of my sinful soul and body, be unto me a helper and protector: I pray thee, holy angel, deliver me from all cunning wickedness, enlighten me with the light of thy holiness and guide me to everlasting life, that I may inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
How to speak with your Guardian Angel
Prayer should not be merely mechanical. Three simple habits transform the relationship: the morning greeting (as to a friend: «Good morning, little angel, have a good day!»), the evening thanksgiving (for all the dangers you escaped without knowing) and the request on the road: «My angel, go before me!» — said when leaving on a journey or in moments of trial.
The Church teaches that the angel grieves at sin and rejoices at every step toward good — therefore a clean life also «brightens» his work. Some faithful feel the angel's presence as a sudden peace, a good idea coming from nowhere, a danger turned away in time. The signs are not obligatory — but the request for help is.
When it is prayed
- In the morning, right after waking — see the morning prayers;
- In the evening, for peaceful sleep — together with Psalm 90;
- For children: said by parents over the child, before school or sleep;
- On journeys, at exams, before surgery, in moments of fear.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask the angel to protect someone else? Yes: «Guardian angel of (name), protect them!» — a very widespread practice, especially mothers for children who have gone abroad.
When is the Guardian Angel's day? The Orthodox Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Holy Angels on 8 November (the Synaxis of St. Michael the Archangel) — the feast day of the guardian angel for everyone.
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