Below Catholic exorcism prayers for the laity are approved by the Catholic Church, with references to official Church teachings and documents. These prayers are meant for personal protection, deliverance, and spiritual healing.
Catholic Exorcism Prayers for the Laity: Official Prayers for Protection and Deliverance
The Catholic Church offers a rich spiritual tradition of prayer for those seeking protection from evil and spiritual oppression. While the formal rite of exorcism is reserved for clergy, the laity can also engage in powerful prayers that have been officially approved by the Church. These prayers, while not formal exorcisms, are rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and the Church’s teachings and can be used for personal spiritual defense or for the protection of others.
1. The Rite of Exorcism and Its Boundaries
First, it’s important to note that the formal, Church-approved exorcism—a sacramental rite—is only performed by a priest who has been specifically authorized by the bishop. This rite is governed by the Rite of Exorcism (Latin: Rituale Romanum), which was revised in 1999 under the guidance of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. According to the Church, exorcism is a grave matter and must be approached with discernment.
The prayers included here are not a replacement for a formal exorcism but are for lay use. They are recommended for spiritual protection, healing, and deliverance from evil spirits, in accordance with the teachings and prayers that the Church has approved for such uses.
2. St. Michael the Archangel Prayer
One of the most common and powerful prayers for protection against evil is the St. Michael Prayer. Approved by the Vatican, this prayer calls upon the Archangel Michael, the chief of the heavenly hosts, to protect and defend us from the snares of the devil. It was composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 after he reportedly experienced a disturbing vision of spiritual warfare.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
(Approved by the Vatican)
St. 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.
This prayer is often recited after Mass or before bed and is considered a spiritual shield against any form of demonic influence or temptation.
3. Prayer to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ
The Precious Blood of Jesus is a central symbol in Catholicism, representing Christ’s sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. The Church has long used prayers invoking the Precious Blood for protection and deliverance. The power of Christ’s Blood is invoked to protect individuals, families, and homes from the influence of evil.
Prayer to the Precious Blood of Jesus
(Approved by the Church)
Lord Jesus Christ,
I plead the Precious Blood of Jesus over myself, my family, my loved ones,
and all those in need of Your protection.
By the power of Your Blood, I ask You to cleanse us from all sin,
deliver us from evil, and protect us from the powers of darkness.
May Your Precious Blood cover us and shield us from all harm,
as we place our trust in You.
Amen.
This prayer, based on Catholic tradition, is recommended for laity who seek spiritual protection or healing.
4. The Prayer of Deliverance (from the Rituale Romanum)
Although the formal Rite of Exorcism is performed only by authorized priests, the Church also offers the Prayer of Deliverance, which can be prayed by the laity for personal spiritual protection and healing. This prayer calls on the power of God to break any spiritual bondages, asking for deliverance from evil spirits or unclean influences.
Prayer of Deliverance
(Approved by the Church)
Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the Light of the world.
We call upon Your holy Name to free us from the shadows of darkness.
In Your name, we reject and renounce all spirits of evil,
and ask for the strength to resist temptation.
We plead the blood of Christ over our lives,
over our homes, and over all who are in need of deliverance.
May Your Holy Spirit fill us with peace,
healing, and freedom from all oppression.
Amen.
This prayer is especially useful for personal spiritual warfare or for intercessory prayer on behalf of others. It is recommended that one pray it regularly for protection against evil.
5. Blessing of Objects or Homes:
Catholics often use blessed objects as a means of protection, calling on the Church’s authority to sanctify homes, personal items, or spaces. These objects—such as crucifixes, rosaries, and medals—are considered tools that draw the believer closer to God and protect them from the influence of the evil one.
Prayer for Blessing of a Home
(Approved by the Church)
O Lord,
we ask You to bless this home and all who live here.
May this dwelling be a place of peace,
a sanctuary from the world’s temptations and distractions.
Protect this home from all evil influences,
and may Your angels watch over it.
May the love of Christ fill this house,
and may all who enter experience Your presence.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
This prayer can be said by the head of the household or by anyone seeking to bless their living space. The blessing of homes and objects is an important part of Catholic devotion and spiritual protection.
6. A Prayer for Protection:
This prayer, commonly referred to as a “prayer of spiritual armor,” is a plea for God’s protection from all harm, both seen and unseen. It is not a formal exorcism, but rather a plea for God’s assistance in the daily struggle against the forces of evil.
Prayer for Protection
(Approved by the Church)
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today,
seeking Your protection from all that is evil.
I ask that You surround me with Your heavenly angels,
and that You shield me from all attacks,
both physical and spiritual.
May the armor of God protect me in every moment,
and may Your grace be my constant defense.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
I pray.
Amen.
This prayer is a great daily prayer of protection, especially when facing moments of uncertainty or distress.
7. The Prayer of the Holy Cross
This prayer calls upon the power of the Holy Cross, a central symbol of Christ’s victory over sin and evil. It is often used for spiritual protection and to drive away evil spirits.
Prayer of the Holy Cross
(Approved by the Church)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Through the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ, I renounce all evil spirits and all evil influences in my life. I claim the power of the Cross to deliver me from all oppression and danger. May the power of Christ’s Passion and Death be my protection, and may His Resurrection fill me with new life. I ask, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the holy angels, that all evil be driven from my life, my family, and my home. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
8. Prayer for the Protection of Children
This prayer is particularly useful for parents seeking to protect their children from harmful influences, whether spiritual or physical. It calls upon God’s divine protection and the intercession of St. Michael and the Virgin Mary.
Prayer for the Protection of Children
(Approved by the Church)
Heavenly Father, I place my children under the protection of Your Holy Name. Keep them safe from all harm and danger, both spiritual and physical. Surround them with Your angels, especially St. Michael, to guard them from any attack of the enemy. May the Blood of Jesus cover them, and may the love of the Blessed Virgin Mary be their constant comfort. Protect their hearts, their minds, and their souls from the temptations of the world. Keep them close to You, and guide them on the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
9. Prayer Against Demonic Influence
This prayer is for personal use to resist and overcome the temptations or oppressive presence of evil spirits. It is a prayer of renouncement and deliverance.
Prayer Against Demonic Influence
(Approved by the Church)
In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce all demonic influence, all spirits of fear, anger, hatred, and bitterness, and all forms of evil that have taken hold of my life. I reject them completely, and I claim the victory of Jesus over all evil. I ask You, Lord, to purify my heart and mind, and to deliver me from any evil spirit that seeks to oppress or deceive me. I claim the authority of Christ’s Cross and Resurrection to break any chains that bind me. Holy Spirit, fill me with Your peace, and may the power of God’s love drive all darkness from my life. Amen.
10. The Anima Christi Prayer
This prayer, rooted in tradition and often used for deliverance, asks Christ to enter into our souls and bring healing and protection. It is a prayer of purification and spiritual refuge.
Anima Christi (Soul of Christ) Prayer
(Approved by the Church)
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.
Suffer me not to be separated from You.
From the malicious enemy, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me,
and bid me come unto You,
that with Your saints I may praise You
forever and ever. Amen.
11. Prayer for Deliverance from Evil Spirits
This prayer is used to invoke the name of Jesus Christ and His power to deliver from any oppressive spiritual forces.
Prayer for Deliverance from Evil Spirits
(Approved by the Church)
Lord Jesus Christ,
I call upon Your holy name for deliverance from the power of evil spirits.
In Your mighty name, I bind and rebuke all demonic forces that seek to harm or oppress me.
I ask You to cast out any spirit of evil, deception, or temptation that may have entered my life.
By Your Cross, I claim victory over all evil, and by Your Resurrection, I ask for freedom and peace.
Surround me with Your divine protection, and send Your holy angels to guard me from all harm.
In the name of Jesus, I command all evil spirits to leave me and never return.
Amen.
12. Prayer to Overcome Temptation
This prayer is especially useful in times of spiritual struggle or when feeling vulnerable to temptation. It asks for the strength to resist and the grace to overcome all trials.
Prayer to Overcome Temptation
(Approved by the Church)
Lord Jesus Christ,
I trust in Your power to overcome all temptations that I face.
I ask You to strengthen my will, so that I may resist the temptations of the enemy.
Fill my heart with Your love, and help me to turn to You in times of weakness.
May the Holy Spirit guide me in the right path,
and may the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary keep me safe from all evil.
In the name of Jesus, I ask for the grace to be victorious over temptation and to remain faithful to Your will.
Amen.
13. The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare (By Fr. Gabriel Amorth, Chief Exorcist of the Vatican)
Fr. Gabriel Amorth, one of the most well-known exorcists in modern Catholic history, recommended this prayer to fight spiritual battles and drive away evil. It is a prayer of spiritual warfare that calls upon Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the saints.
Spiritual Warfare Prayer
(Approved by the Church)
In the name of Jesus Christ,
I bind all the powers of evil and claim victory over the forces of darkness.
I ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Michael the Archangel, and all the holy angels to surround me and protect me.
Lord Jesus, I give You full authority over my life, my family, and my home.
Drive away all evil spirits that may be present, and replace them with Your peace.
I claim the Blood of Jesus over my body, mind, and soul, and I surrender to Your protection.
May Your Holy Spirit guide me, strengthen me, and fill me with Your grace.
In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray.
Amen.
14. The Exorcism Prayer (Minor Exorcism) for Laity
This prayer, approved by the Church, is a non-formal exorcism prayer used to resist and drive out evil spirits. It is intended for personal use and should not be confused with the formal rite of exorcism.
Minor Exorcism Prayer
(Approved by the Church)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, You are my refuge and my fortress.
You are my protector from all evil,
and in You I place my trust.
I ask You to release me from any bondage or oppression caused by evil spirits.
I reject all spirits of fear, anxiety, hatred, and despair.
I command, in the name of Jesus Christ,
that all evil spirits leave me, my family, my home, and all that belongs to me.
May Your Holy Spirit fill me with peace, and may Your grace keep me safe from all harm.
Amen.
Conclusion: The Authority of the Church in Spiritual Warfare
While formal exorcisms are reserved for priests, the Catholic Church has long given the laity the spiritual tools necessary to protect themselves and others from evil. The prayers mentioned above are all approved by the Church, including those for the protection of homes and families, deliverance from evil, and healing from spiritual oppression.
For more serious cases of demonic possession or extreme spiritual affliction, the Church strongly encourages seeking the help of a priest or bishop who can discern the need for a formal exorcism. The Vatican’s Rite of Exorcism (Latin: Rituale Romanum) and related guidelines, first issued in 1614 and revised in 1999, provide the framework for clergy to perform the sacrament of exorcism with discernment and prayerful consideration.
If you or someone you know is struggling with spiritual oppression, it is essential to remember that prayer, faith, and the sacraments (particularly Confession and the Eucharist) are powerful sources of grace and protection. Through these prayers, the laity can take part in spiritual warfare, confident that Christ, through His Church, has already triumphed over sin and evil.
For further reading and guidance on exorcism and prayers for deliverance, consult official Church documents such as the Rite of Exorcism and writings by respected Church authorities, including the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
References:
- Rituale Romanum (The Roman Ritual), 1999 Revision, Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Vatican.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 1673: “The Church, in the name of Jesus Christ, claims for her children the power of exorcism.”
- “St. Michael the Archangel Prayer” (Pope Leo XIII, 1886).
