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Basic Prayers

Essential Catholic prayers every Catholic should know

12 prayers

Sign of the Cross

The fundamental prayer of Christians, invoking the Trinity.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Source: Traditional Catholic Prayer

Our Father (The Lord's Prayer)

The prayer that Jesus taught His disciples, fundamental to 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.
Source: Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4

Hail Mary

The angelic salutation to Mary, combining Scripture and tradition.

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.
Source: Luke 1:28, Luke 1:42, Traditional

Glory Be (Doxology)

A doxology praising the Trinity.

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.
Source: Traditional Catholic Prayer

Apostles' Creed

An ancient summary of Christian beliefs.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. 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 life everlasting. Amen.
Source: Traditional Christian Creed

Nicene Creed

The more detailed creed from the First Council of Nicaea.

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.
Source: Council of Nicaea (325 AD)

Act of Contrition

A prayer of repentance for sins.

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell; 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 confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.
Source: Traditional Catholic Prayer

Prayer to Your Guardian Angel

A prayer invoking protection from one's guardian angel.

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.
Source: Traditional Catholic Prayer

Grace Before Meals

A blessing prayer before eating.

Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Traditional Catholic Prayer

Grace After Meals

A thanksgiving prayer after eating.

We give you thanks, Almighty God, for these and all your blessings; As you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Source: Traditional Catholic Prayer

Morning Offering

A prayer to offer the day to God.

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer Thee my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Thy Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.
Source: Apostleship of Prayer

Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love

Three fundamental acts expressing faith, hope, and love.

ACT OF FAITH: O my God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in Three Divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe that Thy 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 Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived. ACT OF HOPE: O my God, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. ACT OF LOVE: O my God, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.
Source: Traditional Catholic Prayer
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