The 25 Most Traditional Catholic Prayers of All Times

Prayer is an essential part of the Catholic faith, and throughout the history of the Church, believers have turned to a wide variety of prayers as a way to express their devotion, seek guidance and protection, and find solace and comfort in times of need.

In this article, we will explore some of the most traditional Catholic prayers that have been passed down through the centuries and continue to be beloved by believers today. From the Hail Mary and the Our Father to the Rosary and the Act of Contrition, these prayers represent the depth and richness of the Catholic tradition and offer a source of spiritual nourishment and inspiration for all who recite them.

1. The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)

Also known as the “Our Father,” this prayer is perhaps the most well-known and widely-recited prayer in the Catholic tradition. It is a prayer that Jesus taught to his disciples and is found in the New Testament of the Bible.

It reads as follows:

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,
forever and ever. Amen.

2. The Hail Mary (Ave Maria)

The Hail Mary prayer, also known as Ave Maria, is a devotion to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is based on the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary when he announced to her that she would bear the Son of God (as recorded in the Gospel of Luke).

It reads as follows:

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.

3. The Apostles’ Creed

The Apostles’ Creed is a statement of Christian faith that is widely used in the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations. It is traditionally attributed to the apostles, although it is likely that it developed over time through the contributions of many different believers. The Creed is often used in liturgical contexts, such as during the celebration of Mass or the recitation of the Rosary.

Here is the text of the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again 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 the life everlasting.
Amen.

4. The Nicene Creed

This prayer is a statement of the fundamental beliefs of the Catholic faith. It is based on the Nicene Creed, a creed that was adopted at the Council of Nicaea in 325.

The Nicene Creed reads as follows:

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,
begotten 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.

5. Salve Regina (Hail, Holy Queen)

The Salve Regina, also known as the “Hail, Holy Queen”, is a traditional Catholic prayer that is a hymn to the Virgin Mary. It is often used as a hymn of praise and devotion, and it is also recited as part of the Liturgy of the Hours.

The Salve Regina reads as follows:

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
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 unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Amen.

6. The Glory Be

This prayer is a simple doxology, or expression of praise, to the Holy Trinity.

It reads:

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.

7. Prayer to One’s Guardian Angel

The Prayer to One’s Guardian Angel is a Catholic prayer that invokes the intercession and protection of one’s guardian angel, who is believed to be assigned by God to watch over and guide each person throughout their life. The prayer is often recited as a way to ask for the guardian angel’s help and guidance, and it is also sometimes used as a means of seeking protection from harm.

Here is the text of the Prayer to One’s Guardian Angel:

Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here,
Ever this day (or night) be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.

8. The Rosary

The Rosary is a devotional prayer that involves the repetition of specific prayers and the meditation on the mysteries of the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. It is traditionally recited using a set of beads to help keep track of the prayers.

The main prayers of the Rosary are the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

The Rosary is typically divided into five “decades,” each representing a different mystery of the life of Jesus or the Virgin Mary. The prayers for each decade are as follows:

1. Begin by making the sign of the cross and saying the Apostles’ Creed.
2. Say the “Our Father.”
3. Say ten “Hail Marys,” while meditating on the mystery for that decade.
4. Say the “Glory Be.”
5. Say the “Fatima Prayer” (optional).
6. Repeat steps 2-5 for each of the remaining decades.
7. Conclude by saying the Hail, Holy Queen and the final prayer of the Rosary (optional).

Here is an example of the prayers for each decade of the Rosary:

1. The Joyful Mysteries (Mondays and Saturdays):

• The Annunciation
• The Visitation
• The Nativity
• The Presentation in the Temple
• The Finding in the Temple

2. The Luminous Mysteries (Thursdays):

• The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
• The Wedding at Cana
• The Proclamation of the Kingdom
• The Transfiguration
• The Institution of the Eucharist

3. The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays and Fridays):

• 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

4. The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays and Sundays):

• The Resurrection
• The Ascension
• The Descent of the Holy Spirit
• The Assumption of Mary
• The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

9. The Gloria

The Gloria is a traditional Catholic prayer that is a hymn of praise to God. It is typically recited or sung as part of the liturgy in the Mass and other liturgical services.

The Gloria reads as follows:

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you,
we bless you,
we adore you,
we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,
O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

10. The Kyrie (Kyrie, Eleison)

The Kyrie is a traditional Catholic prayer that is a liturgical hymn of supplication. It is typically used in the Mass and other liturgical services as a way to ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness.

The Kyrie reads as follows:

Kyrie eleison.
Lord, have mercy.
Christe eleison.
Christ, have mercy.
Kyrie eleison.
Lord, have mercy.

11. The Liturgy of the Hours

The Liturgy of the Hours is a set of prayers that are recited at fixed hours throughout the day and night. It is also known as the Divine Office. The Liturgy of the Hours consists of hymns, psalms, and readings from the Bible, as well as prayers and intercessions. It is typically recited by the clergy and religious, but laypeople may also participate.

The Liturgy of the Hours is divided into seven “hours,” with the main hours being morning prayer (Lauds), evening prayer (Vespers), and night prayer (Compline). The prayers for each hour typically include the following elements:

1. Opening prayer (also known as the “Invitatory”)
2. Psalmody (recitation of psalms and other scriptural texts)
3. Hymns and canticles
4. Reading from the Bible
5. Responsory (a short verse followed by a response)
6. Intercessions (prayers for the needs of the Church and the world)
7. Concluding prayer (also known as the “Collect”)

The Liturgy of the Hours also includes special prayers for feast days and other occasions.

12. Act of Contrition

This prayer is a expression of sorrow for sin and a request for forgiveness. It is often recited as part of the sacrament of reconciliation (also known as confession).

Here is an example of the Act of Contrition:

Oh 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 occasion of sin.

Amen.

13. The Anima Christi

This prayer is a devotion to the body and blood of Jesus Christ, as present in the Eucharist.

The prayer reads as follows:

Soul of Christ, be my sanctification;
Body of Christ, be my salvation;
Blood of Christ, fill all my veins;
Water from the side of Christ, wash out my stains;
Passion of Christ, my comfort be;
O good Jesus, listen to me;
Within your wounds I fain would hide;
Ne’er to be parted from your side;
Guard me when the foe is nigh;
O receive me when I die;
And close your arms about me,
that with your saints I may be numbered
when you come on the clouds of glory.

Amen.

Here is another commonly recited version:

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 thee;
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.

14. The Memorare

This prayer is a request for the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

It reads:

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 with 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 mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

15. Act of Faith

The Act of Faith is a prayer that is commonly used by Catholics as a way to express their belief in God and the teachings of the Church. The Act of Faith is one of the three “acts of the virtues” that are traditionally recommended for Catholics to recite on a daily basis, along with the Act of Hope and the Act of Love.

Here is the text of the 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 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 you have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.

I offer you this act of faith, hoping to obtain pardon for my sins and the grace to believe in you more firmly and to follow your holy will more closely. Amen.

16. Act of Hope

The Act of Hope is a prayer that is commonly used by Catholics as a way to express their hope in God’s love and mercy, and in the promises of eternal life that are made in the Catholic faith. The Act of Hope is one of the three “acts of the virtues” that are traditionally recommended for Catholics to recite on a daily basis, along with the Act of Faith and the Act of Love.

Here is the text of the Act of Hope:

O my God, relying on your almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

I offer you this act of hope, hoping to be cleansed by your merciful love and to be made worthy of your holy promises. Amen.

17. Act of Love

The Act of Love is a prayer that is commonly used by Catholics as a way to express their love for God and their desire to serve him. The Act of Love is one of the three “acts of the virtues” that are traditionally recommended for Catholics to recite on a daily basis, along with the Act of Faith and the Act of Hope.

Here is the text of the 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 my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.

I offer you this act of love, hoping to love you more and more, and to be worthy of your love. Amen.

18. Chaplet of the Divine Mercy

The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy is a Catholic devotion that focuses on the mercy of God and Jesus Christ. It is typically recited using a set of prayer beads, and it consists of repeated invocations of the phrase “Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.” The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy is often associated with Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who claimed to have received visions of Jesus and who is considered a key figure in the promotion of the devotion.

Here is the text of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy:

On the Our Father beads:
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the Hail Mary beads:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

On the Glory Be beads:
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion–inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.

Repeat the following for the rest of the chaplet:

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

19. Fatima Prayer

The Fatima Prayer is a Catholic prayer that is associated with the apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Fatima, Portugal in 1917. The prayer is often recited as a way to ask for Mary’s intercession and protection, and it is also sometimes used as a means of seeking guidance and strength in times of difficulty.

Here is the text of the Fatima Prayer:

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.

Amen.

20. The Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross is a devotion that consists of meditating on the events of Jesus’ passion and death, as recorded in the Gospels. The devotion typically involves the recitation of prayers and the contemplation of various scenes from the Passion, such as Jesus being sentenced to death, carrying the cross, and being crucified.

The Stations of the Cross is typically performed by walking through a series of 14 “stations,” each representing a different scene from the Passion.

The prayers for each station typically include the following elements:

1. A meditation on the scene depicted in the station
2. A verse from the Bible relating to the scene
3. A traditional prayer or hymn
4. A moment of silence for personal reflection

Here are the 14 Stations of the Cross:

1. Jesus is condemned to death
2. Jesus takes up his cross
3. Jesus falls the first time
4. Jesus meets his mother, Mary
5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his cross
6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
7. Jesus falls the second time
8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
9. Jesus falls the third time
10. Jesus is stripped of his garments
11. Jesus is crucified
12. Jesus dies on the cross
13. Jesus is taken down from the cross
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb

Here is an example of the prayers that may be recited at each station:

1. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
2. Lord Jesus, by your patience in suffering you have brought us salvation. Help us to embrace the cross in our lives and so come to share in your resurrection.
3. Lord Jesus, you fell beneath the weight of the cross, and by your fall have lifted up all who are burdened. Grant us the grace to bear our crosses with love and patience, and so come to share in your glory.
4. Lord Jesus, your mother stood by you in your hour of suffering. May we, who are your members, share with her in your sufferings and also in your resurrection.
5. Lord Jesus, you have made Simon a partaker in your cross. May we also carry our crosses in union with you, and so come to share in your resurrection.
6. Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Veronica, may our faces be washed in the waters of baptism and be a reflection of your image.
7. Lord Jesus, you fell a second time beneath the weight of the cross. Help us to rise again when we fall and to find the strength to continue on the path that leads to you.
8. Lord Jesus, the women of Jerusalem mourned for you. May we also lament for our sins, which were the cause of your suffering.
9. Lord Jesus, you fell a third time beneath the weight of the cross. Help us to persevere in the face of trials and difficulties, and to find comfort in your loving presence.
10. Lord Jesus, you were stripped of your garments on the cross. Help us to strip ourselves of all that is not of you, and to be clothed in your righteousness.
11. Lord Jesus, you were crucified on the cross. Grant us the grace to die to ourselves, and to live for you alone.
12. Lord Jesus, you breathed your last on the cross. May we also die to sin and rise to new life in you.
13. Lord Jesus, you were taken down from the cross. May we also follow you in your death and resurrection, and so come to share in your glory.
14. Lord Jesus, you were laid in the tomb. May we also lay our earthly lives aside and rise to new life in you.

21. Prayer to the Holy Spirit

The Prayer to the Holy Spirit is a Catholic prayer that is used to invoke the intercession and guidance of the Holy Spirit, one of the three persons of the Trinity. The prayer is often recited as a way to ask for the Holy Spirit’s help and guidance, and it is also sometimes used as a means of seeking spiritual renewal and enlightenment.

Here is the text of the Prayer to the 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.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit,
did instruct the hearts of the faithful,
grant that by the same Holy Spirit
we may be truly wise
and ever enjoy His consolations,
Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

22. Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel is a Catholic prayer that invokes the intercession of St. Michael, who is revered as the patron saint of soldiers, police officers, and other protectors. The prayer is often recited as a way to ask for St. Michael’s protection and guidance, and it is also sometimes used as a means of spiritual warfare against evil.

Here is the text of the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel:

Saint 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 thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

23. Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi is a prayer that is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century Italian friar who is known for his devotion to poverty, peace, and simplicity. The prayer is often recited as a way to ask for God’s help in achieving peace in one’s own life and in the world, and it is also sometimes used as a means of seeking guidance and strength in times of difficulty.

Here is the text of the Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring 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.

24. The Te Deum

The Te Deum is a Christian hymn of praise, often sung or recited in liturgical contexts. It is traditionally attributed to Saint Ambrose and Saint Augustine, and it is often used in the Anglican and Catholic liturgies. Here is the text of the Te Deum:

We praise you, O God:
We acknowledge you to be the Lord.
All the earth worships you,
The Father everlasting.
To you all Angels,
All the Powers of Heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim,
Sing in endless praise:

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory.
The glorious company of the apostles praise you.
The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise you.
The noble army of martyrs praise you.
The holy Church throughout all the world does acknowledge you:
The Father, of an infinite majesty;
Your adorable, true, and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.

You are the King of Glory, O Christ.
You are the everlasting Son of the Father.
When you took upon yourself to deliver man,
You humbled yourself to be born of a Virgin.
When you had overcome the sharpness of death,
You opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
You sit at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
We therefore pray you, help your servants,
Whom you have redeemed with your precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with your saints,
In glory everlasting.

Amen.

25. Litany of the Saints

The Litany of the Saints is a traditional Roman Catholic prayer that invokes the intercession of the saints, angels, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is typically recited during the Liturgy of the Hours or during the celebration of Mass, and it is also sometimes used in private devotions.

It reads as follows:

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
have mercy on us.

Holy Mary,
pray for us.
Saint Michael,
pray for us.
(Saint) N.,
pray for us.
(Saint) N.,
pray for us.

All you holy angels and archangels,
pray for us.
All you holy orders of blessed spirits,
pray for us.
All you saints of God,
pray for us.

Be merciful,
spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
From all evil,
deliver us, O Lord.
From all sin,
deliver us, O Lord.
From your wrath,
deliver us, O Lord.
From sudden and unprovided death,
deliver us, O Lord.
From the snares of the devil,
deliver us, O Lord.
From anger, hatred, and all ill-will,
deliver us, O Lord.
From all false doctrine,
heresy, and schism,
deliver us, O Lord.
From hardness of heart, and contempt of your word,
deliver us, O Lord.

By the mystery of your holy incarnation,
deliver us, O Lord.
By your coming,
deliver us, O Lord.
By your birth,
deliver us, O Lord.
By your baptism,
deliver us, O Lord.
By your fasting,
deliver us, O Lord.
By your passion,
deliver us, O Lord.
By your cross and resurrection,
deliver us, O Lord.
By your ascension,
deliver us, O Lord.
By your institution of the most holy Eucharist,
deliver us, O Lord.
By your joys,
deliver us, O Lord.
By your glory,
deliver us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

Let us pray.

O God, who has taught the hearts of the faithful
by the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant us in the same Spirit
to be truly wise
and ever to rejoice in his consolation.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.