Angel of God, My Guardian Dear: How to Stay Close to your 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, Rule and guide. Amen.

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Many children growing up in the Catholic faith learn this short prayer invoking their guardian angel; however, perhaps because of the cutesy depiction of angels in art or the misrepresentation of them in the media, very few believers give much thought to these powerful beings.

But you should.

The great saint Padre Pio implored others to pray that child-like prayer to their angel:

Oh, if only all men knew how to understand and appreciate this very great gift that God, in the excess of His love for men, has assigned to us this celestial spirit! Recall frequently his presence: you ought to fix your mind’s eye upon him. Thank him, pray to him…Repeat often [this] beautiful prayer…How great will be the consolation, when, at the hour of death, your soul will see this angel, who is so good, who has accompanied you throughout your life, who was so ample in his maternal care!

Today we celebrate the feast of the Guardian Angels, so let’s take some time getting to know them and building up a relationship that will last for your whole life.

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Catholic Teaching on Guardian Angels

The modern, secular world often refers to loved ones who have passed as “guardian angels” but that’s not consistent with the Church’s teaching on our heavenly protectors.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that angels are “spiritual, non-corporeal beings…[who] are servants and messengers of God.  (CCC 328-329) that have existed since creation.

They continuously behold God face to face and we believe that at Mass, we join in their endless adoration and worship of Him.

Human life, from its beginning until death, is surrounded by their prayer and care. Sacred Scripture offers many examples of angels as the “mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word” (Psalm 103).

They are heralds and servants in God’s plan for salvation– “they closed the earthly paradise; protected Lot; saved Hagar and her child; stayed Abraham's hand; communicated the law by their ministry; led the People of God; announced births and callings; and assisted the prophets…” (CCC 332)

While the theology of angels is primarily shrouded in mystery, Catholic tradition also holds that an angel stands beside each believer providing both physical and spiritual protection and leading him to eternal life. We call these beings “Guardian Angels.”

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Growing in Friendship with Your Guardian Angel

See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Be attentive to him and heed his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin. My authority resides in him. If you heed his voice and carry out all I tell you, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foe (Ex 23:20-22).

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So how can you keep your angelic friend close? How can you hear and follow his guidance and allow him to lead your home?

Firstly, don’t try to name your Guardian Angel.

According to the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy: “The practice of assigning names to the Holy Angels should be discouraged, except in the cases of Gabriel, Raphael and Michael whose names are contained in Holy Scripture.”

Naming something denotes authority over it, which humans certainly do not have over the angels. Many experts also discourage you from trying to learn the name of your guardian angels for fear of unknowingly and accidentally opening yourself to the influence of fallen angels.

Secondly, pray to him every day; the little prayer at the beginning of this post is a perfect way to invite him into your day and the habit of praying it will attune your heart and mind to his presence.

Your Guardian Angels, like God, respect your free will so they can’t fight your battle against sin and evil for you, but they can fight alongside you–protecting you from bodily harm, guiding you away from temptation, shielding your mind and heart from spiritually dangerous situations.

Ask for his intercession for particular intentions or people in your life; talk to them as you would your dearest friend about your day, your thoughts, your fears, your joy. Ask for their help before an important conversation, in resolving disagreements, or in finding a parking spot.

Acknowledge his presence when you go to Mass or adoration, or when you pray. Invite him to help you pray and worship as you ought.

He is there to help you.

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