Catholic Prayers

The Sign of the Cross

The most basic Catholic prayer, used to begin and end all prayers and liturgical actions. It expresses faith in the Holy Trinity.

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)

Given by Jesus Himself (Matthew 6:9–13, Luke 11:2–4), it is the model of all Christian prayer.

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.

Hail Mary

A prayer honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary, based on the angel Gabriel’s greeting at the Annunciation and Elizabeth’s greeting at the Visitation.

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.

Glory Be (Doxology)

A short hymn of praise to the Holy Trinity, often used to conclude psalms or prayers.

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.

The Apostles’ Creed

An ancient summary of the core beliefs of the Christian faith, traditionally used in the Rosary and during baptism.

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 Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.

The Memorare

A powerful Marian prayer expressing trust in Mary’s intercession.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;
to thee do 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.

Morning Offering

A daily prayer offering one’s day, prayers, and actions to God, typically said upon waking.

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day
for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart,
in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world,
for the salvation of souls,
the reparation of sins,
the reunion of all Christians,
and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month. Amen.

Anima Christi

A prayer of devotion and thanksgiving to Jesus, often said after receiving Holy Communion.

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.
Suffer 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 unto Thee,
that with Thy saints I may praise Thee
forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

A prayer for protection against evil, composed by Pope Leo XIII in the late 19th century.

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

The Rosary 

A meditative devotion centred on the lives of Jesus and Mary, using a string of beads. It consists of a sequence of prayers (Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, Hail Marys, Glory Be, and Fatima Prayer) grouped into five “decades,” each corresponding to a mystery of faith—Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, or Luminous. The Rosary encourages reflection on key events in the Gospel and fosters deep spiritual contemplation.