📖 Prayer to St. Benedict
The prayer to St. Benedict honors the father of Western monasticism and the patron saint of Europe. St. Benedict of Nursia was a 6th-century monk who founded the Benedictine Order and wrote the famous "Rule of St. Benedict," which has guided monastic life for over 1,500 years. This prayer seeks his intercession for protection and spiritual guidance.
Prayer to St. Benedict
Traditional Prayer
O glorious St. Benedict,
sublime model of all virtues,
pure vessel of God's grace!
Behold me, humbly kneeling at your feet.
I implore you in your loving kindness
to pray for me before the throne of God.
To you I have recourse
in the dangers that daily surround me.
Shield me against my selfishness
and my indifference to God and to my neighbor.
Inspire me to imitate you in all things.
May your blessing be with me always,
so that I may see and serve Christ in others
and work for His kingdom.
Graciously obtain for me from God
those favors and graces
which I need so much
in the trials, miseries, and afflictions of life.
Amen.
Short Prayer
St. Benedict,
father of Western monasticism,
pray for us and help us
to live a balanced life of prayer and work.
Protect us from evil and guide us to holiness.
Amen.
Prayer for Protection
O St. Benedict,
protect us from all evil
and help us to grow in virtue.
May your cross be our shield
and your Rule our guide.
Amen.
When to Pray to St. Benedict
- • On July 11th - Feast day of St. Benedict
- • On Tuesdays - Traditional day to honor St. Benedict
- • For protection - When seeking protection from evil
- • For monks and nuns - When praying for religious
- • For students - When studying or taking exams
- • For Europe - When praying for the continent of Europe
- • For balance - When seeking work-life balance
- • For farmers - When praying for agricultural work
- • For poisoning - When praying for healing from poison
- • Daily devotion - As a regular prayer to St. Benedict
History and Significance
Father of Monasticism
St. Benedict is considered the father of Western monasticism, founding the Benedictine Order and establishing the pattern for monastic life in the West.
The Rule
St. Benedict wrote the "Rule of St. Benedict," a guide for monastic life that emphasizes prayer, work, and community living.
Patron of Europe
St. Benedict is the patron saint of Europe, recognized for his role in preserving Christian culture during the Dark Ages.
Protection
St. Benedict is known for his powerful protection against evil, symbolized by the St. Benedict Medal and Cross.
St. Benedict's Titles and Patronages
- • Patron of Europe - Protector of the European continent
- • Patron of Students - Helper of students and scholars
- • Patron of Monks - Protector of monastic life
- • Patron of Farmers - Helper of agricultural workers
- • Patron of Poisoning - Protector from poison and toxins
- • Father of Western Monasticism - Founder of Benedictine Order
- • Doctor of the Church - Teacher of the faith
- • Patron of Protection - Protector against evil
The Rule of St. Benedict
St. Benedict's Rule is based on the principle of "Ora et Labora" (Pray and Work), emphasizing a balanced life of prayer, work, and community. The Rule has guided monastic life for over 1,500 years.
- • Prayer - Regular prayer and liturgical worship
- • Work - Manual labor and intellectual work
- • Community - Living together in harmony
- • Obedience - Following God's will through superiors
- • Stability - Commitment to one community
- • Conversion of Life - Continuous spiritual growth