The oldest and most well-known prayer of Saint Benedict is the "Prayer of the Cross of Saint Benedict," also called the "Exorcism of Saint Benedict." This prayer has been used for centuries, tracing back to the early days of Christianity, when Saint Benedict of Nursia (6th century) popularized it as a powerful prayer for protection against evil.

The prayer reads:
"May the Holy Cross be my light, may the devil not be my guide. Begone, Satan, do not suggest vain things to me. Evil is what you offer, drink your own poison."

This phrase is part of the design of the Saint Benedict medal, on which these words appear in Latin:
"Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux! Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux! Vade Retro Satana! Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana! Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas!"
It is one of the oldest and most recognized prayers of exorcism, invoking Saint Benedict’s protection against evil influences.

Prayer of petition to St. Benedict
O glorious Saint Benedict, sublime model of virtue and pure vessel of God's grace, I humbly kneel before you. I implore your loving heart to intercede for me before the Divine Throne.
Let your holy cross be my light, never the demon my guide; may I firmly reject evil, casting out Satan and all his deceptions, and may all his offerings turn to poison in his own cup.

Protector against the daily dangers that surround me, shield me from my enemies, both seen and unseen, and from every form of the evil foe. Inspire me to follow your example in humility, love, and obedience, so that my life may always be guided by what pleases God. May your blessing be with me always, giving me strength to avoid all that displeases the Lord and to flee from occasions of sin.

To you I turn in my trials, miseries, and afflictions. O gentle Saint Benedict, whose heart overflowed with compassion and mercy, you who never turned away the afflicted who sought your aid, intercede for me in this time of need. Grant me, if it is for the greater glory of God and the good of my soul, the special favor I now seek. (mention your request), trusting in your powerful intercession.

Help me, beloved Saint Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, always obedient to His holy will, so that I may attain the eternal happiness of heaven.

Amen.

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