St Benedict, the father of Western monasticism, is invoked against evil and temptation. His medal carries the words of an ancient prayer of protection that the Church still uses today.
The Prayer
Glorious St Benedict,
sublime model of all virtues,
pure vessel of God's grace,
look kindly upon me.
Inflamed with love for God,
you renounced earthly comforts
to seek him alone in prayer and labor.
Help me to do the same.
Protect me in the battle against evil;
drive far from me the snares of the enemy,
and obtain for me the grace to resist temptation,
to live in peace,
and to die in the friendship of God. Amen.
The Words of the St Benedict Medal
May the holy Cross be my light.
Let not the dragon be my guide.
Begone, Satan; suggest not to me your vain things.
The cup you offer is evil; drink your own poison.
When to Pray This Prayer
On his feast (July 11), in times of temptation or spiritual battle, and for the protection of home and family.
About This Prayer
St Benedict (480 to 547) wrote the Rule that shaped monastic life in the West. His medal, with its prayers of exorcism and protection, is among the oldest sacramentals of the Church.
Related Prayers
- Prayers to St Michael the Archangel
- Psalm 91: A Prayer for Protection
- The Chaplet of St Michael the Archangel
New prayers every week. Subscribe to Universal Catholic Media on YouTube to pray along.
Text: traditional prayer to St Benedict and the prayers of the St Benedict Medal.