What are some of the prayers that Catholics frequently pray? The truthful answer is that there are a lot of them - too many to list on one page, in fact. There are a myriad of prayers recited during the sacrifice of the Mass; sacramental prayers specific to baptism, Holy Orders, and reconciliation, including prayers for the dying said during the Anointing of the Sick; and prayers that families pray together throughout the day.

In considering that sheer volume, though, there are several prayers that are very commonly said by the faithful around the world on a regular basis. Please find a compilation of some of these prayers below.

(Of course, one of our favorite prayers is the Rosary - be sure to check out our podcast. It’s called Daily Rosary Meditations and we have a new episode each day in which we come together as a faith community and pray the Rosary while learning about our faith during the meditation. You can find it on our app here!)

Daily Catholic Prayers

Prayer before meals: Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord. 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.

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.

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; 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.

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

Prayer to 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.

Catholic Prayers for the Morning and Night

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. Amen.

Act of Contrition (often paired with an examination of conscience): O my God, I am truly sorry for having offended You. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You, my Lord, whom I love above all things. I firmly resolve with the help of Your grace to sin no more and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

Vespers: Vespers, or evening prayer, is part of the Liturgy of the Hours, the “daily prayer of the Church.” To learn more about this longstanding tradition of prayer, visit the USCCB’s page summarizing the Divine Office.