St. Michael Novena — Day 2: Healer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Day Two of the Saint Michael Novena. Yesterday we asked for defense. Today we ask for healing. In the Book of Daniel, chapter ten, an angel speaks of Michael as one of the chief princes who came to help. Throughout Christian tradition, Michael has been understood as a healer of bodies and souls, a friend to the weary and the sick. Saint Michael, today I bring you my body. The places where it aches. The conditions doctors have named. The chronic pains I have learned to live with. The fatigue that sleep does not cure. Take these to the Great Physician, who hears every prayer offered in your name. I bring you my soul. The wounds that are older than I can remember. The places where shame still lives. The patterns I have not been able to break. The fears that resurface even after years of progress. Bring healing here too, Saint Michael. The Lord can heal what no human counselor can reach. I bring you those I love who are sick. My family members fighting illness. My friends in hospital beds. The people whose names I cannot stop praying because their suffering is so heavy. Stand by their beds tonight. Bring them comfort. Bring them, in the Lord's timing and way, healing. I bring you the dying. Saint Michael, tradition holds that you are present at the moment of death, weighing souls justly, escorting them to the throne of mercy. Be with everyone who is dying tonight. The ones in hospitals. The ones at home. The ones in war zones. The ones alone. Carry them safely. Saint Michael, defender and healer, intercede for me. The same hand that wields the sword can lay gently on the wounded. The same archangel who casts down the dragon can lift up the broken-hearted. I pray the Saint Michael prayer. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. I add my own healing intentions tonight. The body. The relationship. The wound. I name them in my heart. Saint Michael, take them to God. Tomorrow, Day Three. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.