Pray with the Church
“Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
49 of the most-loved Catholic prayers, grouped by intention. Each one has a short note on where it comes from and when to pray it, and a source so you can check the text. Tap a prayer to open it.
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The prayers every Catholic knows
Short, ancient prayers that belong to the whole Church. If you are just starting, learn these first.
The Sign of the Cross
Catholics begin and end prayer, and often the day itself, with the Sign of the Cross, tracing the cross from forehead to chest and shoulder to shoulder. By it we dedicate ourselves to the glory of God, and, as the Catechism says, it “strengthens us in temptations and difficulties” (Catechism 2157).
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Source: Text: the Church’s ancient baptismal formula (Matthew 28:19). Older English books say “Holy Ghost” (for example, A Catechism of Christian Doctrine (Baltimore Catechism) No. 1 and No. 2, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1885), Prayers (public domain)). Catechism 2157.
The Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer)
The prayer Jesus Himself taught His disciples (Matthew 6:9–13; Luke 11:2–4). The Catechism, quoting Tertullian, calls it “truly the summary of the whole gospel” (Catechism 2761).
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Source: Text: the traditional English form, as in A Catechism of Christian Doctrine (Baltimore Catechism) No. 1 and No. 2, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1885), Prayers (public domain) (punctuation and capitals modernized). Catechism 2759–2865.
The Hail Mary
The first half joins the words of the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:28) and of St. Elizabeth (Luke 1:42). The second half asks the Mother of God to pray for us, now and at the hour of our death (Catechism 2676–2677).
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.
Source: Text: the traditional English form, as in A Catechism of Christian Doctrine (Baltimore Catechism) No. 1 and No. 2, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1885), Prayers (public domain) (which has the older spelling “amongst”). Catechism 2676–2678.
The Glory Be
A short hymn of praise to the Holy Trinity, called a doxology (from the Greek for “word of glory”). It closes each decade of the Rosary.
Glory be to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning
is now, and ever shall be
world without end.
Amen.
Source: Text: the traditional English form. Older books say “Holy Ghost” (for example, A Catechism of Christian Doctrine (Baltimore Catechism) No. 1 and No. 2, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1885), Prayers, Morning Prayers (public domain)).
The Apostles’ Creed
A summary of the faith handed down from the apostles. The Catechism calls it “the ancient baptismal symbol of the Church of Rome” (Catechism 194). It opens the Rosary, and at Mass it may be used in place of the Nicene Creed, especially during Lent and Easter Time (The Roman Missal, Order of Mass 19). This is the traditional English text of the Baltimore Catechism. “Holy Ghost” is the older English name for the Holy Spirit, and most Catholics today say “Holy Spirit.” The translation used at Mass today is worded a little differently.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried.
He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Source: Text: A Catechism of Christian Doctrine (Baltimore Catechism) No. 1 and No. 2, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1885), Prayers (public domain); the same wording is in A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1888; 1898 printing) (public domain). Catechism 185–197.
Act of Contrition
A prayer of sorrow for sin, said in Confession and at the end of the day. Sorrow that comes from loving God above all things is called “perfect contrition.” It forgives venial sins, and it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to go to sacramental Confession as soon as possible (Catechism 1452). This is the form in the Baltimore Catechism. Several other approved forms exist, and the priest will accept any of them in Confession.
O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins,
because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell,
but most of all because they offend Thee, my God,
who art all-good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,
to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.
Source: Text: A Catechism of Christian Doctrine (Baltimore Catechism) No. 1 and No. 2, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1885), Prayers (public domain). Catechism 1451–1454.
Morning, meals, and the three virtues
Simple ways to give each day to God: when you wake, when you eat, and whenever you want to renew your faith, hope, and love.
The Morning Offering
A prayer to begin the day by offering everything in it to God. It is associated with the Apostleship of Prayer, begun by Fr. François-Xavier Gautrelet, SJ, in France in 1844 and known today as the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. Each month the Holy Father asks this network to pray for a particular intention. The “associates” in this older form are the members of the Apostleship. A newer form, used by the USCCB, also offers the day’s “joys.”
O Jesus, through the immaculate heart of Mary,
I offer Thee my prayers, works, and sufferings of this day
for all the intentions of Thy sacred Heart,
in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world,
for the intentions of all our associates,
and in particular for the intention recommended this month by the Holy Father.
Source: Text: F. X. Lasance, The Young Man’s Guide (1910) (public domain). The same prayer is in F. X. Lasance, With God (1911) (public domain) and F. X. Lasance, My Prayer-Book (1908) (public domain). History: USCCB; Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (USA).
Grace Before Meals
A blessing before eating, thanking God for His gifts. Many families make the Sign of the Cross before and after it.
Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts,
which we are about to receive from Thy bounty,
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Source: Text: A Catechism of Christian Doctrine (Baltimore Catechism) No. 1 and No. 2, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1885), Prayers (public domain); The Key of Heaven (1901 edition) (public domain).
Grace After Meals
A short thanksgiving after eating, which also remembers the faithful departed.
We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits,
O Almighty God, who livest and reignest forever;
and may the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Source: Text: A Catechism of Christian Doctrine (Baltimore Catechism) No. 1 and No. 2, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1885), Prayers (public domain).
Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love
Faith, hope, and love (charity) are the three “theological virtues.” God gives them to us, and they relate us directly to Him (Catechism 1812–1813). These three short prayers renew them. Many Catholics pray them in the morning.
An Act of Faith
O my God! I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three Divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; I believe that Thy Divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.
An Act of Hope
O my God! relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
An Act of Love
O my God! I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.
Source: Text: A Catechism of Christian Doctrine (Baltimore Catechism) No. 1 and No. 2, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1885), Prayers (public domain). Catechism 1812–1829.
With Mary, Mother of God
Catholics honor Mary and ask her prayers. We do not worship her: adoration belongs to God alone (Catechism 971). She always points us to her Son: “Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye” (John 2:5; Catechism 2674).
Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina)
A medieval Latin hymn to Mary, prayed at the end of the Rosary and often sung at the close of Night Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours.
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope!
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Source: Text: F. X. Lasance, My Prayer-Book (1908) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, The Young Man’s Guide (1910) (public domain). The USCCB prints essentially the same traditional text (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, Appendix B).
The Memorare
From the Latin for “Remember.” It is often credited to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (12th century), but he did not write it. Its words come from a longer 15th-century prayer. It was made popular in the 17th century by Fr. Claude Bernard (1588–1641), a Paris priest who taught it to prisoners and to those condemned to death, and the similar names probably caused the mix-up.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that any one who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
and sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence,
I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother!
To thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word incarnate!
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
Source: Text: The Raccolta, English edition (1878) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, With God (1911) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, The Young Man’s Guide (1910) (public domain). History: Preces Latinae, “Memorare” (citing the 15th-century Antidotarius Animae and de Broqua’s 1913 life of Fr. Bernard).
The Angelus
A prayer recalling the Incarnation, when the Son of God became man in Mary’s womb. It is traditionally prayed three times a day, at dawn, at noon, and at dusk, often when church bells ring (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 195). During the Easter season the Regina Caeli is prayed instead. Many people today also say the versicle “Pray for us, O holy Mother of God” before the closing prayer.
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived by the Holy Ghost.
Hail, Mary…
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail, Mary…
V. And the Word was made Flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail, Mary…
Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that as we have known the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son by the message of an Angel, so, by His Passion and Cross, we may be brought to the glory of His Resurrection; through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Text: A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1888; 1898 printing) (public domain); The Key of Heaven (1901 edition) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, With God (1911) (public domain). Luke 1:26–38; John 1:14.
Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven)
An Easter antiphon that rejoices with Mary in the Resurrection of her Son. By a decision of Pope Benedict XIV in 1742, it replaces the Angelus from Easter Sunday through Pentecost (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 196).
O Queen of heaven, rejoice! Alleluia.
For He whom thou didst merit to bear, Alleluia,
Hath arisen, as He said, Alleluia.
Pray for us to God, Alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, Alleluia.
R. For the Lord hath risen indeed, Alleluia.
Let us pray. O God, who, through the Resurrection of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, didst vouchsafe to fill the world with joy; grant, we beseech Thee, that, through His Virgin Mother, Mary, we may lay hold on the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Text: A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1888; 1898 printing) (public domain); The Key of Heaven (1901 edition) (public domain).
We Fly to Thy Patronage (Sub Tuum Praesidium)
One of the oldest known prayers to Mary, which already calls her the “Mother of God” (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 23). Christians in East and West still pray it today. Newer English versions begin “We fly to thy protection.”
We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God.
Despise not our petitions in our necessities:
but deliver us from all dangers,
O ever glorious and blessed Virgin.
Source: Text: A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1888; 1898 printing) (public domain); The Key of Heaven (1901 edition) (public domain).
In times of danger and temptation
Christ has already won the victory over sin and death. These prayers ask for His protection, and the help of His angels, in the spiritual battle of daily life (Ephesians 6:10–18).
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
In Scripture, Michael is the archangel who fights against the devil (Revelation 12:7–9; Jude 9). Pope Leo XIII added this prayer in 1886 to the prayers said after Low Mass, a practice that ended in the 1960s, and many Catholics still pray it daily. This short prayer is for everyone. It is not the Church’s rite of exorcism, which is reserved to priests authorized by the bishop. This is an early English translation. Newer ones begin “Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.”
Holy Michael Archangel, defend us in the day of battle;
be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou, prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God, thrust down to hell Satan
and all wicked spirits, who roam through the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
Source: Text: F. X. Lasance, My Prayer-Book (1908) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, The Young Man’s Guide (1910) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, With God (1911) (public domain). Revelation 12:7–9; Catechism 391–395.
St. Patrick’s Breastplate (excerpt)
An ancient Irish prayer of protection, a lorica or “breastplate.” Tradition attributes it to St. Patrick (5th century), though scholars usually date the Old Irish text to the 7th or 8th century. This excerpt is from the well-known 19th-century English verse translation by Cecil Frances Alexander.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity;
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One, and One in Three.
Of Whom all nature hath creation;
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
Source: Text: C. F. Alexander’s translation (1889), as printed in C. H. H. Wright, The Writings of Saint Patrick (public domain); Wikisource.
Psalm 90 (91): He That Dwelleth in the Aid of the Most High (excerpt)
A psalm of trust in God’s protection, prayed by Jews and Christians for centuries. The devil quoted it to tempt Jesus, and Jesus answered with Scripture (Matthew 4:6–7): we trust God’s care without putting Him to the test.
He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High,
shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob.
He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge:
my God, in him will I trust.
For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word.
He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust.
For he hath given his angels charge over thee; to keep thee in all thy ways.
In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Source: Psalm 90:1–4, 11–12 (Psalm 91 in Hebrew numbering), Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision (public domain); the heading “The praise of a canticle for David” is omitted.
When you or someone you love is ill
Jesus healed the sick, and He still comes to them, above all in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. If you or a loved one is seriously ill, facing surgery, or weakened by age, call your parish and ask a priest to come (James 5:14–15; Catechism 1499, 1514–1515).
Prayer to Mary, Health of the Sick (Pope Francis)
Pope Francis wrote this prayer in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offered it to everyone to pray at the end of the Rosary during the month of May. It entrusts the sick to Mary, who stood at the foot of the Cross, and in the Pope’s text it ends with the ancient Sub tuum praesidium.
This recent prayer is under copyright, so we do not reproduce it here. It is the first of two prayers in the Pope’s Letter for the Month of May (April 25, 2020). Read the official text: Letter to the Faithful for the Month of May 2020 (vatican.va).
Source: Pope Francis, Letter to the Faithful for the Month of May, April 25, 2020, “First Prayer to Our Lady” (vatican.va).
Psalm 102 (103): Bless the Lord, O My Soul (excerpt)
A psalm of praise to the God who forgives and heals. It is a good prayer for the sick and for those who care for them.
Bless the Lord, O my soul:
and let all that is within me bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and never forget all he hath done for thee.
Who forgiveth all thy iniquities: who healeth all thy diseases.
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction:
who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion.
Who satisfieth thy desire with good things:
thy youth shall be renewed like the eagle’s.
Source: Psalm 102:1–5 (Psalm 103 in Hebrew numbering), Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision (public domain); the heading “For David himself” is omitted.
The Centurion’s Prayer
A Roman officer asked Jesus to heal his servant, trusting that a single word from Him was enough, and Jesus praised his faith (Matthew 8:5–13). The Church echoes his words just before Holy Communion at every Mass (Catechism 1386). You can pray them for anyone who is sick, putting their name in place of “my servant.”
Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof;
but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.
Source: Matthew 8:8, Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision (public domain). Catechism 1386.
For the home, the domestic church
The Christian family is a “domestic church,” the first school of prayer (Catechism 1656–1657, 2685). These prayers are simple enough to pray together, even with small children.
Prayer to the Holy Family (Pope Francis)
Pope Francis closed his 2016 apostolic exhortation on love in the family, Amoris Laetitia (“The Joy of Love”), with a prayer to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, asking that our families may be places of communion and prayer.
This recent prayer is under copyright, so we do not reproduce it here. It comes right after paragraph 325 at the end of the document. Read the official text: Amoris Laetitia, closing prayer (vatican.va, PDF).
Source: Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia (March 19, 2016), closing prayer (vatican.va).
Prayer to St. Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer (Pope Francis)
St. Joseph protected Mary and Jesus, and he is the patron of the universal Church. Pope Francis wrote this short prayer at the end of his 2020 apostolic letter Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart”). For an older prayer to St. Joseph you can pray right here, see Pope Leo XIII’s prayer.
This recent prayer is under copyright, so we do not reproduce it here. It is at the very end of the letter. Read the official text: Patris Corde (vatican.va).
Source: Pope Francis, Patris Corde (December 8, 2020), closing prayer (vatican.va).
Prayer to Your Guardian Angel (Angel of God)
Often the first prayer a child learns. The Church teaches that “from infancy to death human life is surrounded by” the angels’ watchful care and intercession (Catechism 336; Matthew 18:10). Families often pray it in the morning and at night (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 216).
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom His love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
Source: Text: The Raccolta, English edition (1878) (public domain); A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1888; 1898 printing) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, My Prayer-Book (1908) (public domain). Matthew 18:10; Catechism 336.
For those who mourn, and for those who have died
From its earliest days the Church has prayed for the dead, entrusting them to God’s mercy (Catechism 958, 1032). Our love for them does not end at death. If you are grieving, these prayers can carry what words cannot.
Eternal Rest
A short prayer for the souls of the faithful departed. Catholics often add it at the end of grace after meals, the Angelus, or the Rosary (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 260). To pray for one person, say “him” or “her” for “them,” and “May he (she) rest in peace.”
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
Source: Text: The Key of Heaven (1901 edition), Litany of the Saints (public domain); A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1888; 1898 printing) (public domain). Catechism 958, 1032.
Psalm 129 (130): Out of the Depths (De Profundis)
A psalm of sorrow and hope that the Church has long prayed for the dead (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 260). It is also a prayer for anyone who feels sunk in grief or guilt.
Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord:
Lord, hear my voice.
Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it.
For with thee there is merciful forgiveness:
and by reason of thy law, I have waited for thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on his word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with him plentiful redemption.
And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Source: Psalm 129 (Psalm 130 in Hebrew numbering), Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision (public domain).
Psalm 22 (23): The Lord Ruleth Me (The Lord Is My Shepherd)
Perhaps the best-loved psalm, often read at funerals and prayed with the dying. It promises that God is with us even “in the midst of the shadow of death.” (“The Lord ruleth me” is the Douay-Rheims rendering of “The Lord is my shepherd.”)
The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing.
He hath set me in a place of pasture.
He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment:
He hath converted my soul.
He hath led me on the paths of justice, for his own name’s sake.
For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evils, for thou art with me.
Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me.
Thou hast prepared a table before me against them that afflict me.
Thou hast anointed my head with oil;
and my chalice which inebriateth me, how goodly is it!
And thy mercy will follow me all the days of my life.
And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days.
Source: Psalm 22:1–6 (Psalm 23 in Hebrew numbering), Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision (public domain); the heading “A psalm for David” is omitted.
Byzantine Prayer for the Deceased
An ancient prayer from the Byzantine tradition of the Eastern Churches, included by the Holy See among the common prayers at the end of the Compendium of the Catechism. It asks Christ, “the resurrection and the life,” to give the person who has died rest in a place of light, and to forgive every sin.
The English translation in the Compendium is under copyright, so we do not reproduce it here. It is in Appendix A, “Common Prayers.” Read the official text: Compendium of the Catechism, Appendix (vatican.va).
Source: Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2005), Appendix A (vatican.va).
When life is heavy
For anxiety, conflict, temptation to despair, and the storms of life. If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, please call or text 988 (in the U.S.) or call 911, and reach out to a priest or someone you trust.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
St. Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938), a Polish sister canonized by St. John Paul II on April 30, 2000, recorded in her Diary that Jesus taught her this prayer. It is prayed on ordinary rosary beads, and many people pray it at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, the hour of Jesus’ death.
How it is prayed: begin with the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed. On each large bead, offer the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus to the Father in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. On each of the ten small beads, ask mercy for us and for the whole world, for the sake of His sorrowful Passion. After the five decades, pray “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One” three times.
The English words of the Chaplet come from a copyrighted translation of St. Faustina’s Diary, so we do not reproduce them here. Read the official text: The Chaplet of Divine Mercy (USCCB).
Source: Description based on the USCCB (citing the Diary of St. Faustina, 476, 950).
Peace Prayer (“Prayer of St. Francis”)
Loved worldwide and full of the spirit of St. Francis, but not written by him. It first appeared, unsigned, in a small French Catholic magazine, La Clochette, in December 1912, under the title “A Beautiful Prayer to Say During Mass.” In 1916 it was printed in Italian in the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano during World War I, and only later did it become linked with St. Francis. Its author is unknown. The usual English version is a little shorter than the French, which also prays for union where there is discord and truth where there is error, and says that “it is in forgetting oneself that one finds.” Because the common English text has no clear public-domain source, below is our own line-by-line translation of the 1912 French.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offense, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
Master, let me not seek so much
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love,
for it is in giving that one receives,
it is in forgetting oneself that one finds,
it is in pardoning that one is pardoned,
it is in dying that one rises to eternal life.
Source: Translation: LearnGodsLight, from the French text in La Clochette, no. 12 (December 1912), p. 285 (public domain), as reproduced by the Franciscan Archive and in Christian Renoux, La prière pour la paix attribuée à saint François (2001). French: Seigneur, faites de moi un instrument de votre paix…
Let Nothing Disturb Thee (St. Teresa of Ávila)
A short poem by St. Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582), Doctor of the Church. The Catechism quotes it to show what it means to trust God “in every circumstance, even in adversity” (Catechism 227). Tradition says it was found written in her breviary. This English verse translation is by the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882).
Let nothing disturb thee,
Nothing affright thee;
All things are passing;
God never changeth;
Patient endurance
Attaineth to all things;
Who God possesseth
In nothing is wanting;
Alone God sufficeth.
Source: Text: H. W. Longfellow, “Santa Teresa’s Book-Mark,” in The Complete Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (public domain). Spanish: Nada te turbe, nada te espante, todo se pasa, Dios no se muda; la paciencia todo lo alcanza; quien a Dios tiene nada le falta: sólo Dios basta.
Psalm 45 (46): Be Still and See That I Am God (excerpt)
A psalm of confidence when the whole world seems to be shaking.
Our God is our refuge and strength:
a helper in troubles, which have found us exceedingly.
Therefore we will not fear, when the earth shall be troubled;
and the mountains shall be removed into the heart of the sea.
Their waters roared and were troubled:
the mountains were troubled with his strength.
Be still and see that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord of armies is with us:
the God of Jacob is our protector.
Source: Psalm 45:2–4, 11–12 (Psalm 46:1–3, 10–11 in Hebrew numbering), Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision (public domain).
Giving glory to God
Praise is the form of prayer that recognizes most directly that God is God, simply because He is (Catechism 2639). Thanksgiving remembers all He has given (Catechism 2637–2638).
Te Deum (excerpt)
A Latin hymn of praise from the late 4th or early 5th century. Legend says Sts. Ambrose and Augustine composed it at Augustine’s baptism, but its author is unknown; some scholars suggest Bishop Nicetas of Remesiana. The Church sings it in the Office of Readings on Sundays outside Lent and on solemnities and feasts, and as a thanksgiving at the end of the year, on December 31 (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 114). The colons mark the pause in the middle of each verse when it is sung.
We praise Thee, O God: we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee: the Father everlasting.
To Thee all Angels; to Thee the Heavens and all the Powers therein:
To Thee the Cherubim and Seraphim: cry with unceasing voice:
Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Hosts.
The heavens and the earth are full: of the majesty of Thy glory.
Thee the glorious choir: of the Apostles,
Thee the admirable company: of the Prophets,
Thee the white-robed army of Martyrs: praise.
Thee the Holy Church throughout all the world: doth acknowledge.
The Father: of infinite Majesty.
Thine adorable, true: and only Son.
Also the Holy Ghost: the Paraclete.
Thou art the King of Glory: O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son: of the Father.
Thou having taken upon Thee to deliver man: didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb.
Thou having overcome the sting of death: didst open to believers the kingdom of heaven.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God: in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou shalt come: to be our Judge.
We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants: whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints: in glory everlasting.
Source: Text: A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1888; 1898 printing), “Special Prayers” (public domain); checked against both the 1888 and 1898 printings. The full hymn continues with further petitions.
The Magnificat (Canticle of Mary)
Mary’s song of praise when she visited Elizabeth. The Church sings it every evening at Evening Prayer. The Catechism calls it “the song of thanksgiving for the fullness of graces poured out in the economy of salvation” (Catechism 2619).
My soul doth magnify the Lord.
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid:
for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me:
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him.
He hath shewed might in his arm:
he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat
and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good things:
and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy.
As he spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed for ever.
Source: Luke 1:46–55, Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision (public domain). Catechism 2619.
Psalm 99 (100): A Psalm of Praise
A short psalm inviting the whole earth to thank and praise God. It is a fitting prayer after any blessing.
Sing joyfully to God, all the earth:
serve ye the Lord with gladness.
Come in before his presence with exceeding great joy.
Know ye that the Lord he is God:
he made us, and not we ourselves.
We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Go ye into his gates with praise, into his courts with hymns:
and give glory to him. Praise ye his name:
For the Lord is sweet, his mercy endureth for ever,
and his truth to generation and generation.
Source: Psalm 99:2–5 (Psalm 100 in Hebrew numbering), Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision (public domain); the heading “A psalm of praise” is omitted.
Before and after Holy Communion
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (Catechism 1324). In it Jesus is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity (Catechism 1374). These prayers help us prepare, give thanks, and adore Him.
Act of Spiritual Communion (St. Alphonsus Liguori)
When you cannot receive Holy Communion, for example because of illness or distance, you can still unite yourself to Jesus by desire. St. John Paul II praised this long-standing practice of “spiritual communion” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia 34). This form comes from St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787), Doctor of the Church, in his Visits to the Blessed Sacrament. It does not replace Sunday Mass for those who are able to attend.
My Jesus, I believe that Thou art in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love Thee above everything, and I long for Thee in my soul.
Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
As though Thou wert already come,
I embrace Thee and unite myself entirely to Thee;
allow me not to be separated from Thee.
Source: Text: F. X. Lasance, With God (1911) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, The Blessed Sacrament Book (1913) (public domain). St. John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia 34 (vatican.va).
Anima Christi (Soul of Christ)
A medieval prayer from the early 14th century, often prayed after Holy Communion. Its author is unknown. St. Ignatius of Loyola refers to it in his Spiritual Exercises, which is why it is often wrongly credited to him. (“Inebriate” here translates the Latin inebria, “fill to overflowing.”)
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come to Thee,
That, with Thy saints, I may praise Thee
For ever and ever. Amen.
Source: Text: The Raccolta, English edition (1878) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, The Blessed Sacrament Book (1913) (public domain).
The Pardon Prayer (Fatima)
Sr. Lúcia of Fatima wrote in her memoirs that in 1916, a year before Our Lady’s apparitions, an angel taught this short prayer of faith, adoration, hope, and love, asking pardon for those who do not believe, adore, hope, or love, to her and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta. The Church has approved the 1917 apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima (Bishop of Leiria, 1930; see St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae 7). The accounts of the angel come from Sr. Lúcia’s later memoirs. Like all private revelation, Fatima adds nothing to the faith; it helps us live it (Catechism 67).
The English text comes from a copyrighted translation of Sr. Lúcia’s memoirs, so we do not reproduce it here. Read the official text: Narrative of the Apparitions (Shrine of Fatima).
Source: Shrine of Fatima, “Narrative of the Apparitions” (fatima.pt).
The Divine Praises
Usually prayed at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. They were composed in Italian in 1797 by Fr. Luigi Felici, SJ, as an act of reparation for blasphemy, and later popes added lines. The lines marked * were added after these older books were printed and are given in the form used today.
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His holy name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be His most sacred Heart.
Blessed be His most Precious Blood.*
Blessed be Jesus in the most holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.*
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and immaculate conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.*
Blessed be the name of Mary, virgin and mother.
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse.*
Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints.
Source: Text: F. X. Lasance, With God (1911) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, The Blessed Sacrament Book (1913) (public domain) (both without the lines marked *). History: Catholic Culture.
Come, Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Lord and giver of life, the third Person of the Trinity. “Every time we begin to pray to Jesus it is the Holy Spirit who draws us on the way of prayer” (Catechism 2670). Older English prayers call Him the “Holy Ghost.”
Come, Holy Spirit
A short prayer to the Holy Spirit, good before study, work, a decision, or any prayer. Its opening words are also sung as the Alleluia verse on Pentecost Sunday.
Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful,
and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O God, who hast taught the hearts of the faithful
by the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant that by the gift of the same Spirit
we may be always truly wise,
and ever rejoice in His consolations,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Text: F. X. Lasance, My Prayer-Book (1908) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, The Blessed Sacrament Book (1913) (public domain). cf. Psalm 103:30 (104:30 in Hebrew numbering).
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come (Veni, Creator Spiritus)
A Latin hymn from the 9th century, traditionally attributed to Rabanus Maurus. The Church sings it at solemn moments, and the Directory on Popular Piety recommends it on January 1 to ask the Spirit to guide the new year (no. 116).
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come,
From Thy bright, heavenly throne;
Come, take possession of our souls,
And make them all Thine own.
Thou who art called the Paraclete,
Best gift of God above;
The living spring, the living fire,
Sweet unction and true love.
Thou who art sevenfold in Thy grace,
Finger of God’s right hand,
His promise, teaching little ones
To speak and understand.
Oh! guide our minds with Thy blest light,
With love our hearts inflame;
And with Thy strength, which ne’er decays,
Confirm our mortal frame.
Far from us drive our hellish foe,
True peace unto us bring;
And through all perils lead us safe
Beneath Thy sacred wing.
Through Thee may we the Father know,
Through Thee, th’ eternal Son,
And Thee, the Spirit of them both,
Thrice-blessed Three in One.
All glory to the Father be,
And to His risen Son,
The like to Thee, great Paraclete,
While endless ages run. Amen.
Source: Text: F. X. Lasance, With God (1911) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, My Prayer-Book (1908) (public domain). The same translation is in The Raccolta, English edition (1878) (public domain), whose last verse reads “With His co-equal Son.”
Holy Spirit, Lord of Light (Veni, Sancte Spiritus)
The “Sequence” of Pentecost Sunday, a medieval hymn sometimes called the “Golden Sequence.” At Mass it is sung before the Alleluia, and on Pentecost it is required (General Instruction of the Roman Missal 64). This English verse translation is by Fr. Edward Caswall (1814–1878).
Holy Spirit! Lord of light!
From Thy clear celestial height,
Thy pure, beaming radiance give:
Come, Thou Father of the poor!
Come, with treasures which endure!
Come, Thou light of all that live!
Thou, of all consolers best,
Visiting the troubled breast,
Dost refreshing peace bestow:
Thou in toil art comfort sweet;
Pleasant coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.
Light immortal! light divine!
Visit Thou these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill.
If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turn’d to ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour Thy dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away:
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore,
In Thy sevenfold gifts descend.
Give them comfort when they die;
Give them life with Thee on high;
Give them joys which never end. Amen.
Source: Text: Edward Caswall, Lyra Catholica (1849) (public domain), as printed in F. X. Lasance, With God (1911) (public domain) and F. X. Lasance, My Prayer-Book (1908) (public domain).
Asking our friends in heaven to pray
We ask the saints to pray for us just as we ask friends on earth, because they are alive in Christ and close to God (Catechism 956, 2683). Only God is worshiped (Catechism 2096; see also 971).
How to Ask a Saint to Pray for You
You do not need a special formula. Speak to a saint as a friend, tell them your need, and ask them to pray for you to God. Many Catholics have a patron saint, often the saint whose name they received at Baptism (Catechism 2156, 2165), and many choose another at Confirmation. The simplest form is the one used in the Litany of the Saints.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. N. (the saint’s name), pray for us.
All ye holy Saints of God, make intercession for us.
Source: Catechism 956, 2156, 2683. The invocations follow the traditional Litany of the Saints, as in The Key of Heaven (1901 edition) (public domain) and F. X. Lasance, With God (1911) (public domain). You can read about a saint each day on our Saints page.
What Is a Novena?
A novena (from the Latin novem, “nine”) is a prayer repeated on nine days in a row for a special intention or before a feast. The Pentecost novena grew from the days of prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost, when the apostles “were persevering with one mind in prayer with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus” (Acts 1:14; Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 155). Novenas are also prayed before other feasts, such as the Immaculate Conception and Christmas (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 101–103, 189).
A novena is not magic, and no number of prayers can force God’s hand. It is a way of persevering in prayer, as Jesus taught (“we ought always to pray, and not to faint,” Luke 18:1), and of trusting God’s answer, whatever it is. A simple way to start is to pray Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, Come or Come, Holy Spirit each day for the nine days before Pentecost.
Source: Acts 1:12–14; Luke 18:1 (Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision (public domain)); Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (2001) 101–103, 155, 189 (vatican.va).
Prayer to St. Joseph (Pope Leo XIII)
Pope Leo XIII issued this prayer with his 1889 encyclical Quamquam Pluries and asked that it be added to the Rosary every October. It is still prayed after the Rosary and in times of trouble for the Church.
To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we fly in our tribulation,
and having implored the help of thy most holy spouse,
we confidently crave thy patronage also.
Through that charity which bound thee to the immaculate Virgin Mother of God,
and through the paternal love with which thou didst embrace the Child Jesus,
we humbly beseech thee graciously to regard the inheritance
which Jesus Christ hath purchased by His blood,
and with thy power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
O most watchful Guardian of the Divine Family,
defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ;
O most loving Father, ward off from us
every contagion of error and corrupting influence;
O our most mighty Protector, be propitious to us
and from heaven assist us in this our struggle
with the power of darkness;
and, as once thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from deadly peril,
so now protect God’s holy Church
from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity;
shield, too, each one of us by thy constant protection,
so that, supported by thine example and thine aid,
we may be able to live piously, to die holily,
and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.
Amen.
Source: Text: F. X. Lasance, My Prayer-Book (1908) (public domain); F. X. Lasance, The Blessed Sacrament Book (1913) (public domain). Other English translations exist, including one printed with Quamquam Pluries on vatican.va and a modern one used by the USCCB.
How to pray the Rosary
The Rosary is a meditation on the life of Jesus, prayed with Mary. St. John Paul II wrote that it has “all the depth of the Gospel message in its entirety, of which it can be said to be a compendium” (Rosarium Virginis Mariae 1). For a full guide with every prayer, see our Rosary page.
How to Pray the Rosary, Step by Step
It takes about 20 minutes. If you do not have rosary beads, you can count on your fingers.
- Make the Sign of the Cross and, holding the crucifix, pray the Apostles’ Creed.
- On the first bead, pray the Our Father.
- On the next three beads, pray three Hail Marys.
- Pray the Glory Be.
- Announce the first mystery (see below) and pray the Our Father.
- On the ten beads, pray ten Hail Marys while thinking about the mystery.
- Pray the Glory Be. Many people add the Fatima Prayer.
- Repeat steps 5–7 for the second through fifth mysteries.
- Finish with the Hail, Holy Queen and the closing prayer, then make the Sign of the Cross.
Source: USCCB, “How to Pray the Rosary”; St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae (2002).
The Mysteries by Day of the Week
In 2002 St. John Paul II added the five Luminous Mysteries (the Mysteries of Light) and suggested this weekly pattern (Rosarium Virginis Mariae 19, 21, 38). He noted that it does not limit “a rightful freedom in personal and community prayer.” Traditionally the Joyful Mysteries are also prayed on the Sundays of Advent, and the Sorrowful Mysteries on the Sundays of Lent (USCCB).
- The Annunciation
- The Visitation
- The Nativity
- The Presentation in the Temple
- The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
- The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
- The Wedding Feast at Cana
- The Proclamation of the Kingdom, with the Call to Conversion
- The Transfiguration
- The Institution of the Eucharist
- The Agony in the Garden
- The Scourging at the Pillar
- The Crowning with Thorns
- The Carrying of the Cross
- The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
- The Resurrection
- The Ascension
- The Descent of the Holy Spirit
- The Assumption of Mary
- The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Source: St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae 21, 38 (vatican.va); USCCB, “How to Pray the Rosary” (Advent and Lent Sundays).
The Fatima Prayer (after each decade)
Many Catholics add this prayer after the Glory Be of each decade. According to Sr. Lúcia’s account, Our Lady asked for it at Fatima on July 13, 1917. It was given in Portuguese, and several English wordings are in use. Because no public-domain English text exists, we link to it instead of reproducing it.
A one-sentence prayer to Jesus asking Him to forgive our sins and save us from hell, and to lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of His mercy. Read the official text: USCCB, “How to Pray the Rosary”. Sr. Lúcia’s account: Narrative of the Apparitions (Shrine of Fatima).
Source: USCCB, “How to Pray the Rosary” (common English form); Shrine of Fatima, “Narrative of the Apparitions” (fatima.pt), apparition of July 13, 1917.
Closing Prayer of the Rosary
After the Hail, Holy Queen and its versicle, the Rosary ends with this prayer. It is the collect of the Mass of the Holy Rosary.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. O God, whose Only-Begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, hath purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that, meditating upon these mysteries in the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Text: A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Catholic Laity, Third Plenary Council of Baltimore (1888; 1898 printing), Mass of the Most Holy Rosary, Collect (public domain); checked against the 1888 and 1898 printings (which end “Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, etc.”; the usual short ending is given here). Versicle: The Key of Heaven (1901 edition) (public domain).
“Lord, teach us to pray”
The disciples asked Jesus this (Luke 11:1), and He gave them the Our Father. Written prayers like these are a gift from the Church, but prayer is also simply talking with God in your own words, and listening. “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God” (Catechism 2559, quoting St. John Damascene).
The best prayer of all is the Mass. Find a parish near you, and if it has been a while, Confession is the door home.
To respect copyright, the prayers on this page are given in traditional English translations that are in the public domain, as noted under each one, usually from Catholic prayer books printed before 1930. Some prayers exist in several approved English translations, so your parish booklet may word them differently. Older translations say “Holy Ghost,” the traditional English name for the Holy Spirit. A few recent prayers are under copyright, so for those we describe the prayer and link to the official text. Scripture is quoted from the Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), which numbers most psalms one lower than many modern Bibles. We give both numbers, for example “Psalm 22 (23).”