Paratroopers have their own patron: St Michael the Archangel, the warrior who descends from heaven. His image appears on airborne chapels, medals and insignia, and the US airborne community celebrates him every 29 September. Every jump, from Fort Bragg to a training drop zone anywhere in the world, involves a moment at the open door when there’s nothing to do but trust your training and step out.
Historical Context
A Paratrooper’s Prayer Before the Jump
Lord, I’m standing in the door.
Steady my nerves and my body.
Let my chute open clean, my landing be safe,
and my equipment hold.
Watch over every jumper on this stick and every soldier on the ground.
Whatever waits below, go with me.
St Michael, defend us.
Amen.
A Prayer to St Michael
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, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
For Airborne Families
Lord, bless the families of paratroopers.
Give them peace during training and deployment.
Amen.
For Fallen Paratroopers
Lord, remember the airborne soldiers who died in combat and in training.
Give them eternal rest.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- Before a jump, in the aircraft or at the door.
- On 29 September, St Michael’s feast.
- On 6 June, D-Day, and 16 August, National Airborne Day.
Scripture Connection
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” — Psalm 91:11-12
“They shall bear thee up” means something particular to a paratrooper. Psalm 91 has been carried in the pockets of soldiers for generations.
Related prayers
For other service members, see the Marine Corps Prayer, Air Force Prayer and Crucible Prayer.