The St. Benedict Prayer is a powerful prayer used by many for protection against evil and to seek God’s intervention against spiritual attacks. St. Benedict, who lived in the 6th century, is known as the “Father of Western Monasticism” and is often invoked for spiritual warfare and protection from the forces of darkness.
The St. Benedict Medal and its associated prayer are known for being powerful tools for those seeking to ward off evil spirits, temptation, and any negative influence. Here is the St. Benedict Prayer against evil, along with the meaning of the inscriptions on the St. Benedict Medal.
St. Benedict Prayer Against Evil
Prayer:
“May the holy cross be my light!
May the dragon never be my guide.
Begone, Satan!
Do not suggest to me your vanities!
Evil are the things you offer;
Drink the poison yourself!”
This prayer is short but powerful, invoking the Cross of Christ as a shield against evil. It is particularly known for its use in exorcism and for seeking protection from demonic influences.
Understanding the St. Benedict Medal Inscription
The St. Benedict Medal is often used alongside the prayer for protection. It is inscribed with various Latin phrases that hold deep spiritual meaning. Here is what the inscriptions on the medal mean:
- Front of the Medal:
- Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (Cross of the Holy Father Benedict)
- In the center is an image of St. Benedict holding a cross and the Rule of Benedict, with the words “Ejus in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!” (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death).
- Back of the Medal:
- At the center of the cross: C S P B (Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti – Cross of the Holy Father Benedict)
- Around the margin: V R S N S M V – S M Q L I V B
Translation:- Vade Retro Satana! Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana! (Begone, Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities!)
- Sunt Mala Quae Libas. Ipse Venena Bibas! (What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!)
- The initials on the arms of the cross stand for:
- C S S M L – Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (The Holy Cross be my light)
- N D S M D – Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux (Let not the dragon be my guide)
Using the St. Benedict Prayer
You can use the St. Benedict Prayer against evil in the following ways:
- Pray it daily for protection against spiritual warfare and to invite God’s protection over your life.
- Place a St. Benedict Medal in your home, or carry it with you as a reminder of God’s power over evil.
- Pray with the Medal in times of spiritual attack or temptation, holding it as you recite the prayer or the words of the inscription.
Full St. Benedict Prayer (Optional Version)
Here is a more complete version of a prayer invoking the intercession of St. Benedict:
“O glorious St. Benedict, model of all virtues, vessel of God’s grace!
I humbly ask you to intercede for me before the throne of God.
To you I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me.
Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate you in all things.
May your blessing be with me always,
so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin.
Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces which I need in the trials, miseries, and afflictions of life.
Your heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy toward those who were afflicted or troubled in any way.
You never dismissed without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to you.
I therefore invoke your powerful intercession, in the confident hope that you will hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore (mention your request here).
Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.”
This prayer combines the essence of seeking protection against evil and asking for St. Benedict’s intercession for specific needs.
Final Thoughts
The St. Benedict Prayer against evil is a potent tool in the hands of the faithful. It reflects the Christian belief that the power of the Cross and the name of Jesus can dispel darkness and defeat the forces of evil. Whether you are facing spiritual battles or simply seeking daily protection, the prayer and medal of St. Benedict offer a way to lean into God’s strength and find refuge under His mighty hand.