COMMON PRAYERS
(Centuries of Devotion)
Prayer has always been the heartbeat of the Catholic faith, a living dialogue between the soul and God. Grounded in centuries of devotion, these common prayers handed down through Tradition are more than words—they are treasures of grace, guiding us toward holiness and deeper communion with our God.
This presentation of common prayers gathers together beloved prayers that have sustained generations: from the simple petitions of daily life to the solemn invocations of the Church’s liturgy. Each prayer reflects the richness of Catholic spirituality, offering comfort in times of trial, strength in moments of weakness, and joy in thanksgiving and worship.
In ‘turning’ these pages, you are invited not only to recite familiar words but to enter into the living Tradition of the Church. May this collection inspire you to lift yourself to God with abundance of grace.
NOTES:
- Each prayer here has a link called ORIGIN which connects to an article about the background and history of the prayer, for those who are interested to dive deeper into these Catholic common prayers. These is not a scholarly or theological treatise, just a simple and good starting point.
- Since some prayers fall into more than one category given below. They have been repeated for easier reference—like the Hail Mary prayer is in the Traditional Prayers and in the Marian Prayers.
TRADITIONAL PRAYERS
SIGN OF THE CROSS
+ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. + Amen.
The SIGN OF THE CROSS is the most common Catholic prayer. It begins and ends every Catholic liturgical service and private prayer. The SIGN is prayed upon waking, before and after meals, when passing a Catholic church, seeing a cross, feeling fear or temptation or before going to sleep. Catholics may often make the SIGN when passing a roadside shrine, before important events like exams, meetings, sports, or even in conversation when mentioning God or death.
It accompanies blessings—of people, objects, or food—the administration of sacraments, and exorcisms. Holy water fonts at church entrances invite the faithful to SIGN themselves upon entering or leaving sacred space.
It is also used in powerful impromptu petition prayers like: “For my parish priest. Followed by the SIGN OF THE CROSS“.
LORD'S PRAYER || Pater Nostre
Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your 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.
Christians have prayed the LORD’S PRAYER morning and evening since the earliest centuries. It is often said upon waking, before sleep, and before or after meals. In the Catholic tradition it forms the heart of the Rosary. In the Catholic Mass, it follows the Eucharistic Prayer and precedes Communion. Many turn to it in moments of anxiety, temptation, or gratitude.
The prayer is also invoked in times of national crisis, natural disaster, or war. Families often pray it together. It is common at the bedside of the dying and at gravesides.
The LORD’S PRAYER is used at Baptism, Confirmation, Matrimony, and Funerals. Priests and ministers recite it during Anointing of the Sick and in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It also features prominently in exorcism rites.
St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas noted, every other prayer can be understood as an unfolding of this one.
HAIL MARY || Ave Maria
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
The HAIL MARY is primarily a prayer of intercession through the Virgin Mary and a meditation on the life of Christ. The Rosary is its most prominent setting. It appears in the Divine Office, during the Angelus, and in many Marian prayers and litanies. In some parishes it is recited after daily Mass.
Many Catholics pray it upon waking, before sleep, during times of temptation or distress, or while traveling. At such times it is often prayed thrice (known as the 3 Hail Mary devotion)
Families often include it in bedtime prayers with children. It is a common prayer for expectant mothers and for those seeking comfort or healing. The HAIL MARY is used at funerals, wakes, and graveside services; during May devotions; and in processions or pilgrimages to Marian shrines such as Lourdes, Fatima, or Guadalupe. It is also prayed in moments of crisis or when asking for Mary’s maternal protection.
GLORY BE || Gloria Patri
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 GLORY BE is one of the oldest Christian prayers, it has been used since the early centuries of the Church. Today the GLORY BE is recited at the end of every decade of the Roasry. It concludes nearly every Psalm and Canticle in the Liturgy of the Hours (Breviary) prayed by priests, religious, and many laypeople. Catholics often end their spontaneous prayers, meal prayers, or bedtime prayers with the GLORY BE.
It is commonly prayed after the Our Father and Hail Mary when forming small prayer groupings. It appears in litanies, novenas, the Angelus, Stations of the Cross, and many Marian devotions.
It is recited at funerals, wakes, benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and during times of thanksgiving or praise.
Many believers use it as a quick act of praise throughout the day—when passing a church, after receiving good news, or to reorient the heart toward God amid daily activities.
Because of its brevity and Trinitarian focus, the Glory Be serves as a perfect “Amen” or doxological seal to other prayers. It lifts the mind from petition to pure worship and reminds the us of the eternal reality of God.
APOSTLE'S CREED
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 APOSTLES’ CREED is the classic baptismal creed. Candidates (or parents and godparents) profess it during the Rite of Baptism. It is also used for the renewal of baptismal promises at Easter, Confirmation, and other sacramental moments.
In the Mass, it replaces the Nicene Creed, during Lent and Easter Time.
It begins every Rosary. Many pray it daily—upon waking, before sleep, or as part of morning and evening prayer.
It serves as a primary teaching tool for children, converts, and new believers. It appears in catechetical materials.
It is used at funerals, wakes, ecumenical gatherings, and in many traditional devotions. In the Liturgy of the Hours, it is featured in the daily office.
Its brevity and ancient roots make the Apostles’ Creed an ideal prayer for uniting personal faith with the historic Church. Reciting it is both a profession of belief and an act of communion with Christians across the centuries.
NICENE CREED
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The NICENE CREED is sung or said by the priest with the people every Sunday Mass (normally) and on Solemnities (like Christmas etc). It is placed after the homily and before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It may be used at certain other solemn celebrations, like baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, and other sacraments or rites.
The Apostles’ Creed is used instead of the Nicene Creed, during Lent and Easter Time.
On Easter Sunday (and at Masses with baptisms), the renewal of baptismal promises replaces the Creed. At Sunday Masses with baptism or confirmation, the baptismal promises replace the Creed.
The whole assembly stands and says or sings it together. At the words “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man” (or “et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est.“), everyone makes a profound bow. On the solemnities of the Annunciation and Nativity of the Lord, all genuflect instead.
This practice connects the assembly to the ancient faith of the Church, responding to the Word of God proclaimed in the readings and homily before celebrating the Eucharist.
ACT OF CONTRITION
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins, because of your just punishments, but most of all, because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin nor more, and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
The ACT OF CONTRITION is primarily used in the Sacrament of Confession: It is prayed to the priest right after confessing one’s sins, before the priest gives absolution. This is its most formal and common liturgical use.
Catholics often pray it privately whenever they become aware of having sinned, as an act of perfect contrition when they cannot immediately go to confession. Before going to bed (as part of an examination of conscience). In danger of death (to seek God’s mercy). Sometimes before receiving Holy Communion if the person is conscious of serious sin but cannot confess first.
ACTS OF THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES
ACT OF FAITH
O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became flesh, died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths that the Holy Catholic Church teaches because you have revealed them, Who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.
ACT OF HOPE
O my God, relying on your almighty power, infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
ACT OF LOVE
O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all who I have injured. Amen.
ACTS OF FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE—from the three theological virtues—are short, formal expressions of belief, trust, and love for God.
We may pray them together, or individually, as part of morning prayers, night prayers, or daily devotion. They help cultivate the theological virtues in everyday life. Commonly recited during visits to the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Hours, before Mass, or receiving sacraments. They are taught to children and converts as foundational prayers expressing core Catholic beliefs.
Specially prayed in times of doubt, fear, or difficulty:
ACT OF FAITH – when experiencing doubts.
ACT OF HOPE – in times of discouragement or anxiety.
ACT OF LOVE – to overcome selfishness or resentment.
Often included in prayer books, novenas, or as part of the “Acts” before or after Confession/Communion (along with the Act of Contrition).
COME HOLY SPIRIT
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray: O God, who has instructed the hearts of your faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may have a right judgment in all things and evermore rejoice in his consolations. Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
ORIGIN
PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Breathe into me, Spirit of God, that I may think what is holy. Drive me, Spirit of God, that I may do what is holy. Draw me, Spirit of God, that I may love what is holy. Strengthen me, Spirit of God, that I may preserve what is holy. Guide me, Spirit of God, that I may never lose what is holy. Amen.
ORIGIN
GUARDIAN ANGEL PRAYER
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day (night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
ORIGIN
PRAYER TO ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
St Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.
ORIGIN
MARIAN PRAYERS
HAIL MARY || Ave Maria
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
The HAIL MARY is primarily a prayer of intercession through the Virgin Mary and a meditation on the life of Christ. The Rosary is its most prominent setting. It appears in the Divine Office, during the Angelus, and in many Marian prayers and litanies. In some parishes it is recited after daily Mass.
Many Catholics pray it upon waking, before sleep, during times of temptation or distress, or while traveling. At such times it is often prayed thrice (known as the 3 Hail Mary devotion)
Families often include it in bedtime prayers with children. It is a common prayer for expectant mothers and for those seeking comfort or healing. The HAIL MARY is used at funerals, wakes, and graveside services; during May devotions; and in processions or pilgrimages to Marian shrines such as Lourdes, Fatima, or Guadalupe. It is also prayed in moments of crisis or when asking for Mary’s maternal protection.
HAIL HOLY QUEEN || Salve Regina
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us and after this, our exile, show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
ORIGIN
MEMORARE
Remember O Most Gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions but, in your clemency, hear and answer me. Amen.
ORIGIN
ANGELUS
[℣] The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. [℟] And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary…
[℣] Behold the handmaid of the Lord. [℟] Let it be done unto me according to your word. Hail Mary…
[℣]. And the Word was made flesh. [℟] And dwelt among us. Hail Mary…
[℣] Pray for us, O holy Mother of God [℟] That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
[℣] Let us pray:
[Ⱥ] Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an angel, may, by his Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of his Resurrection through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.
ORIGIN
REGINA CAELI
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.
Has risen, as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.
Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.
Let us pray:
O God, who gave joy to the world through the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen
ORIGIN
LITURGICAL PRAYERS
Kyrie Eleison
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
ORIGIN
Confiteor
I confess to Almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I ask Blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
ORIGIN
Gloria
Glory to God in the highest. And on earth peace to men of good will. We praise You. We bless You. We adore you. We glorify You. We give You thanks for Your great glory.
O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty.
O Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father: you Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. You Who take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. You Who sit at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are holy. You alone are the Lord. You alone, O Jesus Christ, are most high.
Together with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
ORIGIN
NICENE CREED
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The NICENE CREED is sung or said by the priest with the people every Sunday Mass (normally) and on Solemnities (like Christmas etc). It is placed after the homily and before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It may be used at certain other solemn celebrations, like baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, and other sacraments or rites.
The Apostles’ Creed is used instead of the Nicene Creed, during Lent and Easter Time.
On Easter Sunday (and at Masses with baptisms), the renewal of baptismal promises replaces the Creed. At Sunday Masses with baptism or confirmation, the baptismal promises replace the Creed.
The whole assembly stands and says or sings it together. At the words “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man” (or “et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est.“), everyone makes a profound bow. On the solemnities of the Annunciation and Nativity of the Lord, all genuflect instead.
This practice connects the assembly to the ancient faith of the Church, responding to the Word of God proclaimed in the readings and homily before celebrating the Eucharist.
Memorial Acclamation
ORIGIN
Sanctus
“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts; heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.”
ORIGIN
Agnus Dei
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
ORIGIN
ANIMA CHRISTI
Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me; Good Jesus, hear me; Within the wounds, shelter me; From turning away, keep me; From the evil one, protect me; At the hour of my death, call me; Into your presence lead me; to praise you with all your saints, forever and ever. Amen.