Prayer Collection

1. The Lord’s Prayer

The prayer Jesus gave his disciples is the pattern of all Christian prayer.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

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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.

Put it into practice

Pray slowly, pausing after each petition. Notice how it moves from God’s glory to daily need, reconciliation, testing and deliverance.

Pray

Father, let your kingdom come in me and through me today.

White lilies, rosary beads and a small crown

2. Marian Prayers

Mary’s prayer directs the Church towards Jesus and teaches faithful consent to God.

My soul magnifies the Lord. — Luke 1.46

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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. 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 vale 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.

Put it into practice

Let every Marian prayer end in closer attention to Christ, his Gospel and the needs of his people.

Pray

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us that we may follow your Son faithfully.

3. Repentance and Mercy

Contrition tells the truth about sin while trusting more deeply in God’s mercy.

A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. — Psalm 51.17

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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. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Put it into practice

Name specific wrongs, receive forgiveness, repair harm where possible and seek sacramental confession when it would help.

Pray

Merciful Jesus, free me from both presumption and despair, and lead me into new life.

4. Protection and Companionship

Christians ask God’s protection and the prayers of the angels and saints.

He will command his angels concerning you. — Psalm 91.11

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Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defence 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 evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. 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.

Put it into practice

Use prayers of protection to deepen trust and courageous obedience—not to feed fear, suspicion or superstition.

Pray

God of hosts, shelter the vulnerable, strengthen the tempted and keep us steadfast in Christ.

5. Everyday Prayer

Ordinary moments become places of gratitude, care and communion with God.

Give thanks in all circumstances. — 1 Thessalonians 5.18

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Before meals: Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen. After meals: We give thee thanks for all thy benefits, almighty God, who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen. For someone who is ill: Loving God, be close to N. Give wisdom and strength to those who care for them; ease fear and loneliness, and grant healing, patience and peace. Amen.

Put it into practice

Attach prayer to daily thresholds: waking, meals, work, travel, anxiety and sleep. Brief prayer offered faithfully can reshape attention.

Pray

Jesus, be present in the ordinary duties and relationships of this day.

When we need words—and when words lead us into silence