Prayers About Protection
Find 50 prayers about Protection to guide, comfort, and strengthen your faith.
I Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is the shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121 (BSB)
BiblicalHe Who Dwells in the Shelter of the Most High
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague. He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling, no harm will befall you, no plague will approach your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Psalm 91:1-6, 9-11 (BSB)
BiblicalPrayer to St. Michael the Archangel
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 host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Pope Leo XIII (1886, public domain)
TraditionalPrayer for Spiritual Armor
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13 (BSB)
BiblicalSt. Patrick's Breastplate (I Bind Unto Myself Today)
I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three. I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead, His eye to watch, His might to stay, His ear to hearken to my need; the wisdom of my God to teach, His hand to guide, His shield to ward; the Word of God to give me speech, His heavenly host to be my guard.
St. Patrick's Breastplate (Lorica of St. Patrick, 5th century)
SaintSt. Patrick's Breastplate
Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
Traditional Irish prayer attributed to St. Patrick
SaintYou Are a Shield Around Me
O Lord, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! Many say of me, 'God will not deliver him.' But You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
Psalm 3:1-6 (BSB)
BiblicalRise Up, O Lord!
Rise up, O Lord! May Your enemies be scattered; may those who hate You flee before You. Return, O Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.
Numbers 10:35-36 (BSB)
BiblicalSub Tuum Praesidium
We fly to thy protection, O holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Sub Tuum Praesidium (3rd century, oldest known Marian prayer)
TraditionalPrayer for God's Protection
O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom thou hast given an hearty desire to pray, may by thy mighty aid be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer (1662, public domain)
TraditionalPrayer to Guardian Angel
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Traditional Catholic prayer
TraditionalMay the Lord Answer You in the Day of Trouble
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and sustain you from Zion. May He remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy at your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
Psalm 20:1-5 (BSB)
BiblicalThe Lord Watches Over Those Who Fear Him
Sing joyfully to the Lord, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. For the word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is trustworthy. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His loving devotion. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His inheritance. The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion. We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:1, 4-6, 12, 18, 20 (BSB)
BiblicalBlessed Be the Lord, My Rock
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving devotion and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. O Lord, what is man that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow. I will sing a new song to You, O God; on a ten-stringed harp I will make music to You.
Psalm 144:1-4, 9 (BSB)
BiblicalTraditional Prayer for Travelers
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel. Surround them with Your loving care. Protect them from every danger. Bring them in safety to their journey's end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Traditional prayer for travelers
TraditionalPrayer of Jabez
Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.
1 Chronicles 4:10 (BSB)
BiblicalLead Me, O Lord, in Your Righteousness
Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me. But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.
Psalm 5:1-3, 8, 11 (BSB)
BiblicalThe Lord Is Good, a Stronghold in the Day of Trouble
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.
Nahum 1:7 (BSB)
BiblicalA Mighty Fortress Is Our God
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing. Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth, His name, from age to age the same, and He must win the battle.
Martin Luther, Ein feste Burg (1529, public domain)
SaintGod Is Our Refuge and Strength
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth. The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11 (BSB)
BiblicalCollect for Grace
O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day: Defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that is righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer (1662, public domain)
TraditionalHear My Cry for Mercy
To You, O Lord, I call; O my Rock, be not deaf to me. For if You remain silent, I will be like those descending to the Pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You for help, as I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I will give thanks to Him with my song. The Lord is the strength of His people; He is a fortress of salvation for His anointed.
Psalm 28:1-2, 7-8 (BSB)
BiblicalThe Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Traditional Catholic prayer (pre-1500s)
TraditionalTraditional Bedtime Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Guide me safely through the night and wake me with the morning light. Amen.
Traditional Christian bedtime prayer (18th century)
TraditionalLuther's Morning Prayer
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger. I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Martin Luther's Small Catechism (1529, public domain)
TraditionalThe Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:9-13 (BSB)
BiblicalThe Priestly Blessing
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (BSB)
BiblicalThe Lord Is My Light
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. One thing I have asked of the Lord; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and seek Him in His temple. Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27:1, 3-4, 14 (BSB)
BiblicalTaste and See That the Lord Is Good
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.
Psalm 34:1-4, 8, 15, 17-18 (BSB)
BiblicalLead Me to the Rock That Is Higher
Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy. Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.
Psalm 61:1-4 (BSB)
BiblicalThe Blessing of Moses
There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you, and on the clouds in His majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He drives out the enemy before you and commands, 'Destroy!' So Israel dwells in safety; Jacob's spring is secure in a land of grain and new wine, where even the heavens drip with dew. Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword.
Deuteronomy 33:26-29 (BSB)
BiblicalTo Him Who Is Able to Keep You from Stumbling
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.
Jude 24-25 (BSB)
BiblicalHail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Traditional Catholic prayer based on Luke 1:28, 42
TraditionalOrthodox Morning Prayer
O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day, reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul, and with firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of this coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray, and You Yourself, pray in me. Amen.
Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow (d. 1867)
TraditionalCeltic Blessing for a Journey
May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Traditional Irish blessing
TraditionalBlessing of St. Columba
Be a bright flame before me, O God, a guiding star above me. Be a smooth path below me, a kindly shepherd behind me, today, tonight, and forever. Alone with none but You, my God, I journey on my way. What need I fear when You are near, O Lord of night and day? More secure am I within Your hand than if a host did round me stand.
Attributed to St. Columba of Iona (d. 597)
SaintOrthodox Prayer Before Sleep
Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Grant me, O Lord, to pass this night in peace, and let me rise with a pure heart to serve You. Preserve me under Your protection and shelter me under the shadow of Your wings.
Traditional Orthodox Compline prayer
TraditionalLuther's Evening Prayer
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day. I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Martin Luther's Small Catechism (1529, public domain)
TraditionalThe Lord Is My Shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23 (BSB)
BiblicalEvening Collect for Aid Against Perils
Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer (1662, public domain)
TraditionalI Love You, O Lord, My Strength
I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. He brought me out into a broad place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.
Psalm 18:1-3, 16, 19 (BSB)
BiblicalSet a Guard, O Lord, Over My Mouth
O Lord, I call to You; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to You. May my prayer be set before You like incense, the lifting up of my hands like the evening offering. Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in wicked deeds with men who do iniquity. But my eyes are fixed on You, O Lord GOD; in You I take refuge; do not leave my soul destitute.
Psalm 141:1-4, 8 (BSB)
BiblicalPrayer of Jehoshaphat
O Lord, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.
2 Chronicles 20:6, 12 (BSB)
BiblicalDavid's Song of Deliverance
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies. In my distress I called upon the Lord; I cried out to my God, and from His temple He heard my voice; my cry came to His ears. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.
2 Samuel 22:2-4, 7, 17 (BSB)
BiblicalMay the Lord of Peace Give You Peace
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (BSB)
BiblicalAlma Redemptoris Mater
Loving Mother of the Redeemer, gate of heaven, star of the sea, assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again. To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator, yet remained a virgin after as before. You who received Gabriel's joyful greeting, have pity on us poor sinners.
Traditional Marian antiphon (11th century, attributed to Herman of Reichenau)
TraditionalBlessing of Brother Leo
The Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord show His face to you and have mercy. May the Lord turn His countenance to you and give you peace. The Lord bless you, Brother Leo.
St. Francis of Assisi (autograph blessing to Brother Leo, 1224)
SaintShow Me Your Ways, O Lord
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust; do not let me be ashamed; do not let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for You will be put to shame. Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and loving devotion, for they are from age to age. Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; remember me according to Your loving devotion, because of Your goodness, O Lord.
Psalm 25:1-7 (BSB)
BiblicalThe Song of Moses
I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted. The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him. Who among the gods is like You, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders? In Your loving devotion You will lead the people You have redeemed; in Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling.
Exodus 15:1-2, 11, 13 (BSB)
BiblicalSoul of Christ
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Your wounds hide me. Separated from You, let me never be. From the evil one protect me. At the hour of my death, call me. And close to You bid me, that with Your saints I may be praising You forever and ever. Amen.
Traditional Catholic prayer (14th century)
Traditional
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