The prayer to Archangel Uriel belongs to one of the oldest devotions to the angels. Uriel’s name means “God is my light”, and Christians have long turned to him for wisdom, clarity, and the light to see a way forward.
His place in Catholic tradition is particular, and this page is honest about it. You will find a devotional prayer below, prayers for students, for decisions and for hard times, a note on what the Church actually says about Uriel, and a free prayer card to print.
A Prayer to Archangel Uriel (Full Text)
Archangel Uriel, light of God,
intercede for me before the One whose flame you carry.
Obtain for me the light of the Holy Spirit,
that I may see my path clearly,
understand what God asks of me,
and walk in His truth without fear.
Enlighten my mind in study and in doubt,
warm my heart when faith grows cold,
and lead me, by the light entrusted to you,
to Christ, the true Light of the world. Amen.
The Archangel Uriel prayer card, free to print.Free printable prayer card:
Unlike Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Uriel is not named in the canonical Bible. He appears in the Second Book of Esdras, an ancient Jewish text the Catholic Church does not count among inspired Scripture, where he is the angel sent to answer the questions of the prophet. For that reason the Roman Catholic Church does not include him in her liturgy, and as early as the year 745 a synod in Rome restricted public veneration to the three angels named in Scripture.
That does not make him a forbidden subject. Uriel is venerated as an archangel in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and in parts of the Anglican tradition, and centuries of Christian art and devotion have honored him as the angel of God’s light. The prayers on this page are private devotion, not liturgy: a way of asking God for light, in the company of the angel tradition has associated with it. His full story is in our article on Archangel Uriel, his meaning, role and place in Catholic theology.
When Do People Pray to Uriel?
Mostly when they need to see clearly. Students before an exam or a deadline, adults facing a decision that will not resolve itself, anyone going through a season where work, money or direction feel uncertain. The morning, before study or work, is a natural moment; so is a quiet evening with a single candle lit, a small echo of the flame Uriel carries in so many paintings.
Prayers to Archangel Uriel by Intention
For Students and Exams
Archangel Uriel, light of God, be near me as I study and on the day of my exam. Clear my mind of panic, help me remember what I have learned, and let me do justice to my work. Whatever the result, keep me at peace: my worth is in God’s hands, not in a grade. Amen.
For Clarity in a Difficult Decision
Archangel Uriel, flame before the throne of God, shed light on the choice in front of me. Show me what I am not seeing, free me from the fear that confuses my judgment, and give me peace once the decision is made. Amen.
For Providence in Times of Need
Archangel Uriel, witness of God’s faithfulness, stand with me in this hard season. Help me trust that God sees what I lack, open my eyes to the help He is already sending, and keep me generous even when I am afraid of not having enough. Amen.
Archangel Uriel in Sacred Art
Artists usually show Uriel with a flame in his hand, a scroll, or the disc of the sun, images of the divine light his name carries. In Leonardo da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks, the angel kneeling beside the infant John the Baptist is traditionally identified as Uriel, probably his most famous appearance in Western painting. You will find more angels from the great masters in our collection of angel and archangel art prints.
He is not part of the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, because he is not named in canonical Scripture. Veneration of Uriel is alive in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and in parts of the Anglican Communion, and private devotion among Catholics is widespread.
What is Archangel Uriel known for?
Wisdom and light. Tradition makes him the angel of understanding, the one who helps people see: students, seekers, and anyone standing before a confusing decision.
Is Uriel in the Bible?
Not in the canonical books. He appears in the Second Book of Esdras, an ancient text outside the Catholic canon, which is precisely why his veneration differs from that of Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
Where can I buy an Archangel Uriel prayer poster?
The medieval illuminated design shown on this page is available as a large poster, printed on high quality matte paper, from our own shop, jesuschrist.pictures: see the Archangel Uriel prayer poster. The shop also offers the prayers of the other archangels as posters, alongside canvas reproductions of the great angel paintings.
