Guardian Angel

[Corrine]

In the guardian angel prayer it says “Angel of God my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here.”

Maybe I’m not understanding the sentence structure but isn’t the angel here for us? The opening of this prayer makes it sound like we are here for the angel. Does that make any sense? I thought it might be “commits thee here” but that wouldn’t make any sense either.
So this prayer says that God’s love commits us to the angel? Is that right?
I’m confused. Can anyone explain? Also, where did this prayer come from?
Thanks so much~
Corrine

 

[Dale_M]

Maybe I’m not understanding the sentence structure but isn’t the angel here for us? The opening of this prayer makes it sound like we are here for the angel.

Corrine, now that you mention it, I think your reading is correct. At least I come away with the same understanding. It is a bit puzzling, but perhaps it is to reinforce the idea that the angel is not our servant. I dunno.

Also, where did this prayer come from?

I am not sure of its origin but the Vatican has it listed in the appendix of its online
Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html#A)%20COMMON%20PRAYERS%20COMMON%20PRAYERS)

 

[Quaere_Verum]

My understanding is that “to whom God’s (sometimes His) love commits (sometimes entrusts) me here” can refer to God commiting us here to pray or God entrusting us here on earth with life. In other words we ask for our Guardian Angel to assist us in this life with which God entrusts us.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I don’tknow where the prayer came from, but I learned it in kindergarten nearly 70 years ago; so it’s been around for a while.

I read it to say that God’s Love entrustsme to the Angel’s care. I would take that to mean that the Angel is there for me - much as a tutor, or maybe babysitter.

 

[idrum677]

My understanding is that “to whom God’s (sometimes His) love commits (sometimes entrusts) me here” can refer to God commiting us here to pray or God entrusting us here on earth with life. In other words we ask for our Guardian Angel to assist us in this life with which God entrusts us.

This is correct. :angel1: We are entrusted to our guardian angel.

 

[Miserissima]

I think “God’s love commits me here” means that God has given US to the ANGEL to be protected. “To whom” is the key phrase.

To whom God’s love commits me here = God’s love has committed me to you.

So another interpretation would be:

"Angel of God, my guardian dear,

• God has entrusted me to your care*
  Ever this day…"

It’s like a little reminder to your angel that God has made upi his charge, his ward, his special mission.

I hope I’ve helped a little here…

 

[Corrine]

Thank you all for your responses.
That we are entrusted to the angel’s care makes sense. It’s just an oddly worded sentence. God’s love entrusts me here, to you.
This was very helpful. I’m glad I asked.

 

[johnstown_johnn]

I think “God’s love commits me here” means that God has given US to the ANGEL to be protected. “To whom” is the key phrase.

To whom God’s love commits me here = God’s love has committed me to you.

So another interpretation would be:

"Angel of God, my guardian dear,

• God has entrusted me to your care*
  Ever this day…"

It’s like a little reminder to your angel that God has made upi his charge, his ward, his special mission.

I hope I’ve helped a little here…

This is the clearest, most understandable definition of that phrase. It is uncomplicated. Thanks

 

[mangy_dog]

In the guardian angel prayer it says “Angel of God my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here.”

Maybe I’m not understanding the sentence structure but isn’t the angel here for us? The opening of this prayer makes it sound like we are here for the angel. Does that make any sense? I thought it might be “commits thee here” but that wouldn’t make any sense either.
So this prayer says that God’s love commits us to the angel? Is that right?
I’m confused. Can anyone explain? Also, where did this prayer come from?
Thanks so much~
Corrine

Hello Corrine,

This is a good example of why Latin is the “control” langauge of the Catholic Church.
In Latin the prayer goes," me tibi commisum pietate…"
to me commissioned or sent, thru His mercy.
Hope this clears it up a little.

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.

 

[johnstown_johnn]

Hello Corrine,

This is a good example of why Latin is the “control” langauge of the Catholic Church.
In Latin the prayer goes," me tibi commisum pietate…"
to me commissioned or sent, thru His mercy.
Hope this clears it up a little.

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.

Thank you. The confusion is no more.