Conversation with Your Guardian Angel

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Tonight I want to spend a longer time with my Guardian Angel. Not just say the rote prayer from childhood, though that is beautiful. But actually talk with the heavenly companion God assigned to me before I was born. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd, leading him to life. From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. Watchful care. From beginning until death. There has not been a single moment of my life when this angel was not present. Not one. While I was in my mother's womb. During my birth. Through every illness. Every birthday. Every school day. Every job. Every relationship. Every prayer. Every sin. Every conversion. Every act of love. Every act of selfishness. He was there. Tonight I want to thank him. My angel, I do not know your name. The Church has wisely kept that hidden, perhaps to keep me from worshipping you instead of God. But I know you are real. I know you are mine. I know you have been with me in every place I have ever been. Thank you for the times you saved me from accidents I never knew about. The car that almost hit me. The fall I almost took. The conversation that almost happened that would have ruined a friendship. Thank you for the nudges you have given me toward holiness. The reminder to pray when I was about to forget. The pull to call a friend who needed me. The unease about a decision that was going to be a mistake. Thank you for the times you stood between me and spiritual attacks I could not see. The whispered lies of the enemy that did not reach my ear because you intercepted them. The dark thoughts that did not grow into despair because you prayed for me. Forgive me, my angel, for the times I ignored you. The Holy Spirit speaks through your inspirations. When I felt that small pull and chose not to respond, that was you, often. When I sensed I should not go to that place and went anyway, you were there with the gentle warning. Forgive me for the times I chose the louder voice over your quiet one. Tonight I ask you for new attentiveness. Help me hear your suggestions tomorrow. The inspirations that come into my mind without origin. The peace that confirms a choice. The unease that warns against another. Let me be a more responsive friend to you than I have been. I ask you to walk with me through tomorrow. The conversations. The decisions. The temptations. The opportunities. Be present in all of it. Pray for me. Guide me. Defend me. I ask you also to be a friend to those I love. Not by leaving me, of course; you are mine, just as theirs is theirs. But by joining your prayers to mine for them. The angels of my children. The angel of my spouse. The angel of my parents. The angel of every friend I love. Conspire together for our salvation. I ask you to be with me at the hour of my death. The Catechism says that you will accompany me to the throne of God. So when the moment comes, be the gentle hand on my shoulder. Walk me out of this body. Carry me to the face of Christ. Stand with me before the judgment, defending me as I cannot defend myself. Until then, every step, every breath, every day, you are with me. I am not alone. I have never been alone. Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule, and guide. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.