Traditional and Classic Prayers
14 PrayersThe Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)
The prayer Jesus himself taught his disciples (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4); said daily by Christians worldwide
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. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Hail Mary
A traditional Catholic prayer to Mary, the mother of Jesus; the prayer repeated throughout the Rosary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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 (The Doxology)
A short prayer of praise said after the Hail Mary in each decade of the Rosary, and often on its own
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
A traditional statement of Christian belief; said at the start of the Rosary
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 Rosary
A traditional Catholic devotion using a string of beads to guide repeated prayer while reflecting on events in the life of Jesus and Mary
The Rosary begins with the Sign of the Cross and the Apostles’ Creed, followed by one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be. From there, it moves through five “decades” (sets of ten), each one built the same way: one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory Be, said while reflecting on a particular event, or “mystery,” from the life of Jesus or Mary. Many also add the Fatima Prayer after the Glory Be in each decade: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy.” The Rosary traditionally closes with the Hail, Holy Queen prayer: “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. Amen.”
Angel of God (Guardian Angel Prayer)
A traditional prayer, often taught to children, asking one’s guardian angel for protection
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Thank You, God, for the World So Sweet
A traditional children’s mealtime grace
Thank you, God, for the world so sweet. Thank you, God, for the food we eat. Thank you, God, for the birds that sing. Thank you, God, for everything.
Bless Us, O Lord (Traditional Grace Before Meals)
A traditional Catholic grace said before meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God Is Great, God Is Good
A short traditional grace often taught to young children
God is great, God is good, let us thank him for our food. By his hand we all are fed, give us Lord our daily bread. Amen.
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
A traditional children’s bedtime prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Guide me safely through the night, and wake me with the morning light. Amen.
The Serenity Prayer
A widely used prayer for peace and acceptance, often associated with recovery programs
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
The Prayer of Saint Francis
A traditional prayer for peace, associated with Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
The Memorare
A traditional prayer asking for Mary’s intercession in times of need
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.
The Act of Contrition
A traditional prayer of sorrow for sin, often said after confession
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, 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 sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
Morning Prayers
2 PrayersA Prayer to Start the Day
Said on waking, before the day begins
Thank you for this new day. Help me use it well, to be patient with the people I meet, and to notice the good things along the way. Guide my steps, and give me strength for whatever comes.
A Prayer for Direction
Said when facing a busy or uncertain day ahead
I don’t know exactly what today holds, but you do. Help me make good decisions, keep me steady when things get hard, and remind me to slow down if I start rushing past what matters.
Mealtime Prayers (Grace)
3 PrayersA Simple Grace
Said before a meal, alone or with family
For this food, and for the hands that prepared it, thank you. Bless this table and everyone at it.
Grace After Meals
A short traditional prayer of thanks said after eating
We give thee thanks, almighty God, for these and all thy benefits, who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
Prayers for Guidance and Decisions
2 PrayersA Prayer Before a Big Decision
Said when facing a difficult choice
I’m not sure which way to go here. Give me clarity, help me see past my own fear or pride, and give me peace once I’ve decided, even if I can’t be certain it’s the perfect choice.
A Prayer Before an Important Conversation
Said before a difficult talk with someone
Help me speak honestly and kindly. Help me listen as much as I talk, and let whatever happens in this conversation bring things closer to right, not further apart.
Prayers of Gratitude
2 PrayersA Prayer of Thanks
Said at the end of a good day, or whenever gratitude comes to mind
Thank you for the good things today, even the small ones. Help me not take them for granted, and help me pass some of that good on to someone else.
A Prayer for Ordinary Blessings
Said when reflecting on everyday comforts
Thank you for the roof over my head, the people who care about me, and the quiet, unremarkable moments that I often forget to be grateful for.
Prayers for Anxiety and Peace
3 PrayersA Prayer for a Worried Mind
Said when anxious or overwhelmed
My mind is racing and I can’t seem to settle it. Help me let go of what I can’t control, and give me a bit of peace, even if just for right now.
A Prayer for Calm Before Sleep
Said when worry is keeping someone awake
The day is over, and there’s nothing more I can do about it tonight. Help me set it down, quiet my thoughts, and rest.
A Prayer for Courage
Said before something frightening or intimidating
I’m afraid of what’s ahead. Give me courage to face it anyway, and help me remember that I’m not facing it entirely alone.
Prayers for Family and Loved Ones
3 PrayersA Prayer for Family
Said for the wellbeing of family members
Watch over the people I love. Keep them safe, comfort them where they’re struggling, and help me be someone they can count on.
A Prayer for a Child
Said by a parent for a son or daughter
Protect them today. Give them confidence where they’re unsure, kindness where it’s needed, and help me guide them well, even when I don’t have all the answers.
A Prayer for a Friend Who Is Struggling
Said on behalf of someone going through a hard time
I’m thinking of my friend today and the hard thing they’re carrying. Give them strength, send people to support them, and show me how I can help too.
Prayers for Strength and Difficult Times
3 PrayersA Prayer in a Hard Season
Said during a stretch of ongoing difficulty
This has been a hard season and I’m tired. Give me the strength to keep going, and help me trust that this isn’t the whole story.
A Prayer for Patience
Said when frustration is building
I’m running short on patience right now. Help me slow down, respond with a level head, and not say or do something I’ll regret.
A Prayer for Someone Who Is Grieving
Said in a time of loss
The loss feels heavy right now. Be close to me in it, comfort me in the moments it hits hardest, and help me hold on to the good memories.
Prayers for Healing
2 PrayersA Prayer for Someone Who Is Sick
Said for a person who is unwell
I’m asking for healing and comfort. Ease their pain, give strength to the people caring for them, and let them feel less alone in this.
A Prayer Before a Medical Procedure
Said before surgery, treatment, or a doctor’s appointment
I’m nervous about what’s ahead. Steady my nerves, guide the hands of everyone involved in my care, and help me trust that I’m not facing this without support.
Prayers for Forgiveness
2 PrayersA Prayer for When You’ve Made a Mistake
Said after doing or saying something wrong
I got that wrong, and I’m sorry. Help me make it right where I can, and help me learn from it instead of just feeling bad about it.
A Prayer for Letting Go of Resentment
Said when struggling to forgive someone
I’m still holding on to what they did, and it’s weighing on me. Help me find a way to let it go, not because it didn’t matter, but because I don’t want to carry it forever.
Prayers for Travel and Transitions
2 PrayersA Prayer Before a Journey
Said before travel by car, plane, or otherwise
Keep me safe on the way there and on the way back. Watch over everyone else traveling today too.
A Prayer for a New Beginning
Said when starting a new job, home, or chapter of life
This is a new start, and I’m a little nervous about it. Help me adjust well, meet the right people, and grow into whatever this new season is meant to be.
Evening and Bedtime Prayers
2 PrayersA Prayer to End the Day
Said before sleep
Thank you for today, the good parts and the hard parts. Help me rest well, and help me wake up ready for tomorrow.
A Bedtime Prayer for a child
Said with or by a young child at bedtime
Thank you for today. Keep me safe while I sleep, watch over my family, and help me be kind tomorrow.