Common prayers
When you need the words.
A prayer does not have to be complicated. Open any prayer below and begin exactly where you are.
Begin here Foundations of prayer
Prayers Catholics know by heart.
Select a title to open the prayer.
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Our Father
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
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
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.
Apostles’ 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.
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 no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
Gethsemane Prayer
Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done. Amen.
Based on Luke 22:42.
A Simple Prayer
Lord, I need You. Lead me home. Amen.
Every day Daily devotion
Bring prayer into ordinary moments.
Guardian Angel Prayer
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.
Morning Offering
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.
Grace Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle 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. Amen.
Anima Christi
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 your wounds hide me. Permit me not to be separated from you. From the wicked foe defend me. At the hour of my death call me and bid me come to you, that with your saints I may praise you for ever and ever. Amen.
Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy. Amen.
With Mary Marian prayers
Ask the Mother of God to pray with you.
Memorare
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.
Hail, Holy Queen
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.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Sub Tuum PraesidiumUnder Your Protection
We fly to thy protection, O holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
Stand firm Spiritual protection
Pray with faith and proper discernment.
These are prayers for private devotion. The Church distinguishes them from a major exorcism, which may be performed only by a bishop or an authorized priest. If you are experiencing serious spiritual distress, contact your parish priest or diocese for guidance.
Laypeople should not use exorcism formulas reserved to clergy. The prayers below ask God for protection and help without attempting a priest-only rite.
Read the USCCB guidancePrayer to Saint Michael
Saint 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.
Armor of God PrayerBased on Ephesians 6:10–18
Lord God, strengthen me in your mighty power. Gird me with truth, clothe me with righteousness, and make me ready to carry the Gospel of peace.
Give me the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, your Word. Keep me watchful and persevering in prayer, that I may stand firm in Christ. Amen.
A Scripture-based prayer for private devotion; not a fixed liturgical text.
Prayer sources
Traditional wording is presented for devotional use. For additional familiar Catholic prayers, visit the USCCB Basic Prayers and Prayers of the Rosary. The Armor of God prayer is a Led By Faith Scripture-based adaptation of Ephesians 6:10–18.
