Guardian Angels: Divine Companions in Our Loneliness

Your Guardian Angel is Your Dearest Friend

In modern American culture, it's common for many individuals to grapple with various forms of mental distress, such as depression, anxiety, or the profound sense of loneliness. Often, we find ourselves adrift in our personal journeys, seemingly without direction or someone to turn to. During our darkest moments, we may feel utterly misunderstood, as if no one comprehends our struggles and challenges.
Interestingly, the concept of this human condition—loneliness and the yearning for guidance—was recognized by a higher power from the very beginning of time. God, in His wisdom, offered us the assurance that we would never be alone. However, this assurance didn't manifest in the form of a best friend, parent, or spouse but rather in the divine assistance of angels, God's own messengers and servants—the only spiritual beings granted the privilege of seeing God's face.

So, what exactly are angels?
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the belief in angels is considered a truth of faith. Angels derive their name from their role or function, which is to act as messengers. They are, in essence, spiritual beings endowed with supreme intelligence and free will, as evidenced by the existence of fallen angels who were once beings of goodness. While angels are inferior to God, they surpass human beings in their attributes, varying in responsibilities and strengths.

Our faith teaches us that there are nine choirs, or types, of angels: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Archangels, Principalities, and Angels. Although each choir possesses distinct abilities, they share the common purpose of serving as God's messengers and agents, each assigned specific duties and roles.

Among these various types of angels, guardian angels are those assigned to assist human beings throughout their entire lives, from birth to death. Scriptural accounts provide rich examples of angels offering guidance and support to humans in both the Old and New Testaments. For instance, angels protected the infant Jesus and provided him strength during his moment of agony in the garden.

Guardian angels bear specific responsibilities that accompany us throughout life. Their primary role is to help us remain in a state of grace, achieved through prayer, intercession, guidance, and protection. They aid us in numerous ways, including steering us away from sin and ultimately supporting our journey to heaven.

What Guardian Angels Do for Us:

1. Protection from Danger: Guardian angels constantly watch for and shield us from both obvious and hidden dangers.

2. Defense against Evil: They intervene to protect us from the snares of the devil.

3. Influence Holiness: Guardian angels inspire virtuous thoughts, encouraging modesty, piety, love, and goodness.

4. Warning: They provide subtle warnings when our souls are at risk, prompting us to take notice.

5. Prayer Companions: When we pray, our guardian angels join us, ensuring that we are never alone in our prayers. They also pray for us, even when we are unaware of our need for prayer.

6. Assistance in Our Final Hour: Guardian angels are present to assist us during our final moments on Earth.

7. Aid in Purgatory: If a soul enters purgatory, their guardian angel continues to assist them through prayer.

8. Guardian angels, like all beings with free will, deserve our respect and acknowledgment. Building a deep connection with your guardian angel can be achieved through regular prayer, acknowledging their presence in your life.

Remember that your guardian angel has been with you from the very beginning, watching over you during your darkest moments, rejoicing in your triumphs, and offering perfect counsel, divine guidance, and heavenly intercession if you are open to it. In essence, your guardian angel is your ultimate confidant and friend.

Common Prayers to The Guardian Angels



Guardian Angel Novena
(Prayer for 9 consecutive days)

O Holy Angel,
Whom God, by the effect of His goodness and His tender regard for my welfare, has charged with the care of my conduct,
And who assists me in all my wants and comforts me in all my afflictions,
Who supports me when I am discouraged and continually obtains for me new favors,
I return the profound thanks,
and I earnestly beseech thee,
O most amiable protector,
to continue thy charitable care and defense of me against malignant attacks of all my enemies.
Keep me away from all occasions of sin.
Obtain for me the grace of listening attentively to thy holy inspirations and of faithfully putting them into practice.
In particular,
I implore thee to obtain for me the favor which I ask for by this novena (mention your petition here).
Protect me in all the temptations and trials of this life,
but more especially at the hour of my death,
and do not leave me until thou hast conducted me into the presence of my Creator in the mansions of everlasting happiness.
Amen


Angel of God

Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
to whom His love commits me here.
Ever this day (or night) be at my side,
to light and guard,
to rule and guide.
Amen



Good Night Prayer

Good night my guardian angel.
The day has sped away;
Well spent or ill,
It's story is written down for aye.

And now, of God's kind providence,
Thou image pure and bright,
Watch over me while I'm sleeping,
My angel dear,
Good Night!