This is a mini-lesson plan about the Archangels to help you teach your students about Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
The format for the lesson is a simplified version of Lectio Divina Lesson Planning called The RE3 Framework: Read, Reflect, and Respond. Learn more about The RE3 Framework here.
Archangels Lesson Objectives
- Students will be able to (SWBAT) list the three Archangels from the Bible.
- SWBAT describe what each Archangel did in the Bible.
- Students will feel comforted by the protection and prayers of the Archangels.
Read
Here is a brief introduction to the three archangels mentioned in the Bible: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael:
An angel is a messenger from God and the archangels are some of the higher-ranking angels in heaven. There are three archangels named in the Bible: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Michael defended the people of Israel in battle in the Old Testament Book of Daniel. He served as the patron angel of God’s people. He maintained this role in the New Testament Book of Revelation as John saw a vision of him fighting a battle against Satan in heaven. Many people turn to Michael for protection against temptation from Satan today. The archangel Gabriel visited the Virgin Mary to announce the birth of Jesus Christ and to Zechariah to foretell the birth of John the Baptist. He also appeared earlier in the Old Testament as an interpreter of dreams and visions for the prophet Daniel. Finally, the archangel Raphael helped Tobiah find a wife and heal his father in the Old Testament Book of Tobit. Some other churches, religions, and even early Church Fathers list the names of other archangels, but only these three appear in the accepted books of the Bible.
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Reflect
Here are three reflection questions about each of the archangels:
- What are some situations in which you can turn to Saint Michael for prayers and protection against temptation and evil?
- What are some memorable dreams that you could ask Saint Gabriel to help you understand?
- The name Raphael means “healing power of God.” Who do you know that needs healing through the prayers of Saint Raphael?
Premium Members: Download and print a worksheet with these reflection questions and the brief biography of the Archangels here:
Respond
Lead your student in any or all three of these Catholic devotions after they reflect on the stories of the Archangels:
Saint Michael the Archangel Prayer
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him,
we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
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.
Saint Gabriel and the Angelus
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with Thee;
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done to me according to your word.
Hail Mary. . .
V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary. . .
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Saint Raphael the Archangel Prayer
O Glorious Archangel St. Raphael,
great prince of the heavenly court,
you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace.
You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air,
consoler of the afflicted,
and refuge of sinners.
I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels.
Because you are the “medicine of God” I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body.
I especially ask of you the favor (state your special intention),
and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
