A Collection of Essential Prayers

These prayers are part of who we are as a Church. They help us grow closer to God, reminding us that Jesus is always ready to listen, support, and guide us, no matter what we’re facing. At St Paul’s, these prayers are part of our shared life of faith. They’re not just words for Sundays, they’re prayers for school, work, home, and quiet moments when we need strength, peace, or simply to know that God is near. In the ‘Meaning Of’ section, you can explore where each prayer comes from and what it’s really about. Understanding the meaning can make prayer feel more personal and powerful. In the ‘Prayer’ section, you can pray each text in both English and Latin. When you do, you’re praying the same words as Catholics all over the world, from our own pews at St Paul’s to churches and chapels everywhere. That’s the amazing thing about prayer: it connects us. Even when we feel alone, we’re not. Someone, somewhere, is praying the same words at the same time. One heart. One faith. One family in God.

At St Paul's RC Church, you are encouraged to open your heart and turn to God in prayer, and discover his guiding light. Whatever you hold in your heart today, bring it to the Lord. A quiet moment with Christ can change your whole day.

Close-up of hands praying on a Holy Bible, symbolizing faith and spirituality.
"Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi" How we pray shapes what we believe, and what we believe shapes how we live.

These prayers are not meant to be rushed or memorised quickly. They are a gift to help us speak to God in unison with our brothers and sisters around the world. Here are some simple ways to make them part of your life:

  • Choose one prayer for the week and pray it every day, slowly and with love. Contemplate, How does this relate to you day?
  • Perhaps you might like to pray the Sign of the Cross in Latin before bedtime or school/work.
  • Before coming to Mass, you might like to look over the prayers you will hear during the liturgy and reflect on their meaning. Taking a moment to do this can help you enter Mass with a more attentive heart.
  • Parents can pray with children, reciting one line at a time, like a gentle echo.

“If you love, you will learn. If you pray, you will grow.”

If you ever feel drawn to pray the same sacred words that saints have spoken for centuries, learning a little Latin might be something beautiful to explore. Latin has a special place in the Church, not because it’s fancy or academic, but because it’s the one language that unites Catholics everywhere. No matter where you go in the world, the Latin prayers are the same. It’s one voice, one faith, one family before God. Learning Latin isn’t about being clever, perfect, or trying to impress anyone. It’s simply another way of loving Jesus in prayer. Every prayer lifted to God is precious to Him, whether spoken in English, Latin, or whispered from the heart with no words at all. But there is something truly powerful about praying in Latin. These are the same prayers that have travelled through time, prayed by saints, martyrs, grandparents, and generations before us. When we pray those same words today, we step into that living tradition. We let our hearts beat in rhythm with the Church across the world and across history. The meaning of the words never changes, and that is where the beauty lies. Through Latin, we don’t just remember the Church, we join it. We become part of something bigger than ourselves: the timeless prayer of God’s people.

Visit St Paul's Latin Resoursces page.

Sign of the Cross

Pray Now
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
The Meaning of "Sign of the Cross" and How to Pray It

Meaning: This fundamental gesture professes faith in the Holy Trinity and recalls our baptismal identity in Christ (CCC 2157). It is a sacramental act that claims us for God and repels evil, echoing the Cross of salvation (Eph 6:11).

How to Pray It: Make the sign slowly while speaking, tracing from forehead to chest, then shoulder to shoulder. Offer it at the start/end of prayers or daily tasks with focused intention. Jesus hears it when made in humility and faith—use it as a quick invocation for protection, uniting your day to His Passion.

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The Our Father (Lord's Prayer)

Pray Now
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.
Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.
The Meaning of "The Our Father (Lord's Prayer)" and How to Pray It

Meaning: Taught by Jesus Himself (Mt 6:9-13), it is the perfect prayer of adoration, petition, and intercession, forming us in filial trust with God as Father (CCC 2761-2772). Its communal "our" binds the Church in unity.

How to Pray It: Pause on each petition, aligning your heart—e.g., forgive as you ask forgiveness. Pray it slowly in the Liturgy or alone, with open hands for surrender. Jesus hears it when offered with detachment and charity (Mt 6:14); use in trials to echo "thy will be done" for grace.

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The Hail Mary

Pray Now
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.
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
The Meaning of "The Hail Mary" and How to Pray It

Meaning: Drawn from the Annunciation and Visitation (Lk 1:28, 42), it honors Mary's unique grace and seeks her maternal intercession, always Christ-centered (CCC 2676-2677). It fosters humility and reliance on God's favor.

How to Pray It: Recite gently, meditating on Mary's "yes" as model. Repeat in the Rosary or daily for purity. Jesus hears through her fiat (Jn 2:5)—pray with childlike trust, offering personal needs for her to present them perfectly.

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The Glory Be (Doxology)

Pray Now
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.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
The Meaning of "The Glory Be (Doxology)" and How to Pray It

Meaning: A brief Trinitarian hymn of praise (CCC 2639-2643), it affirms God's unchanging eternity and concludes prayers by redirecting glory from self to the Triune God.

How to Pray It: Bow your head reverently, emphasizing "glory." Use after petitions to shift focus to worship. Jesus hears pure adoration in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23)—pray with awe, letting it dissolve distractions for deeper communion.

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The Apostles’ Creed

Pray Now
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.
Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad inferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis, inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.
The Meaning of "The Apostles’ Creed" and How to Pray It

Meaning: The ancient baptismal creed summarizing apostolic faith (CCC 185-197), it professes the Trinity, Christ's mysteries, and Church hope, serving as a "symbol of faith."

How to Pray It: Recite deliberately, affirming each article as personal truth. Use for daily examen or before Mass. Jesus hears professed belief (Mk 16:16)—pray with conviction, renewing baptismal promises to live the Creed boldly.

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Act of Contrition

Pray Now
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.
Deus meus, ex toto corde paenitet me omnium meorum peccatorum, eaque detestor, quia peccando, non solum poenas a Te iuste statutas promeritus sum, sed praesertim quia offendi Te, summum bonum, ac dignum qui super omnia diligaris. Ideo firmiter propono, adiuvante gratia Tua, de cetero me non peccaturum peccatique occasiones proximas fugiturum. Amen.
The Meaning of "Act of Contrition" and How to Pray It

Meaning: An expression of perfect contrition from love of God (CCC 1451-1454), it prepares for Confession by sorrow, detestation, and firm purpose, opening to divine mercy.

How to Pray It: Kneel before a crucifix, naming sins specifically. Pray post-temptation or in examen. Jesus hears contrite hearts (Ps 51:17)—offer with resolve, invoking grace for amendment; He restores joy in forgiveness.

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The Holy Rosary

Pray Now
Mysteries to pray today:  

Opening: Sign of the Cross + Apostles’ Creed + Our Father + 3 Hail Marys (faith, hope, charity) + Glory Be.

Today’s Mysteries: Joyful Mysteries (Saturday, 6 December 2025)

1. The Annunciation

Our Father / Pater Noster

10 Hail Marys (meditating on the mystery)

Glory Be / Gloria Patri

Fatima Prayer / Oratio Fátima

2. The Visitation

Our Father / Pater Noster

10 Hail Marys (meditating on the mystery)

Glory Be / Gloria Patri

Fatima Prayer / Oratio Fátima

3. The Nativity

Our Father / Pater Noster

10 Hail Marys (meditating on the mystery)

Glory Be / Gloria Patri

Fatima Prayer / Oratio Fátima

4. The Presentation

Our Father / Pater Noster

10 Hail Marys (meditating on the mystery)

Glory Be / Gloria Patri

Fatima Prayer / Oratio Fátima

5. The Finding in the Temple

Our Father / Pater Noster

10 Hail Marys (meditating on the mystery)

Glory Be / Gloria Patri

Fatima Prayer / Oratio Fátima

Closing: Hail Holy Queen + Rosary Prayer + Sign of the Cross.

Rosary Prayer: O God, whose only begotten Son, by his life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech you, that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mysteria hodie:  

Apertura: Signum Crucis + Symbolum Apostolorum + Pater Noster + 3 Ave Mariae + Gloria Patri.

Today’s Mysteries: Mysteria Gaudiosa (06 decembris 2025)

1. The Annunciation

Our Father / Pater Noster

10 Hail Marys (meditating on the mystery)

Glory Be / Gloria Patri

Fatima Prayer / Oratio Fátima

2. The Visitation

Our Father / Pater Noster

10 Hail Marys (meditating on the mystery)

Glory Be / Gloria Patri

Fatima Prayer / Oratio Fátima

3. The Nativity

Our Father / Pater Noster

10 Hail Marys (meditating on the mystery)

Glory Be / Gloria Patri

Fatima Prayer / Oratio Fátima

4. The Presentation

Our Father / Pater Noster

10 Hail Marys (meditating on the mystery)

Glory Be / Gloria Patri

Fatima Prayer / Oratio Fátima

5. The Finding in the Temple

Our Father / Pater Noster

10 Hail Marys (meditating on the mystery)

Glory Be / Gloria Patri

Fatima Prayer / Oratio Fátima

Clausura: Salve Regina + Oratio Rosarii + Signum Crucis.

Oratio Rosarii: Deus, cuius Unigenitus per vitam, mortem et resurrectionem suam nobis salutis aeternae praemia comparavit: concede, quaesumus; ut, haec mysteria sacratissimi Rosarii beatae Mariae Virginis recogitantes, et imitemur quod continent, et quod promittunt, assequamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

The Meaning of "The Holy Rosary" and How to Pray It

Meaning: A meditative prayer on Christ's life through Mary's eyes (CCC 971, 2678), it weaves Scripture, contemplation, and intercession—"a compendium of the Gospel."

How to Pray It: Hold beads, announce mysteries with Scripture; meditate during Hail Marys. Pray daily for peace. Jesus hears through Mary's intercession (Jn 19:26)—offer intentions with detachment, imitating mysteries for virtue.

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The Fatima Prayer

Pray Now
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy. Amen.
O mi Jesu, dimitte nobis peccata nostra, libera nos ab igne inferni, conduc in caelum omnes animas, praesertim eas quae misericordiae Tuae maxime indigent. Amen.
The Meaning of "The Fatima Prayer" and How to Pray It

Meaning: Revealed at Fatima (1917), it calls for reparation and mercy for sinners (CCC 2673), echoing the Gospel's universal salvation plea.

How to Pray It: After each Rosary decade; visualize suffering souls. Pray with compassion. Jesus hears intercessory love (1 Tm 2:1)—unite personal trials, gaining indulgences for the dying.

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Hail Holy Queen

Pray Now
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 toward us, and after this our exile show to us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.
Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae: vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria. Amen.
The Meaning of "Hail Holy Queen" and How to Pray It

Meaning: A 12th-century hymn of exile and hope (CCC 2675), it invokes Mary as advocate, directing longing to Christ amid earthly trials.

How to Pray It: End of Rosary; with sighs for the world. Sing or recite tearfully. Jesus hears maternal mediation (Jn 2:3-5)—pray surrendered, seeking her gaze to console in exile.

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The Angelus

Pray Now
V. The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary...

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done to me according to your word.
Hail Mary...

V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
V. Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae.
R. Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.
Ave Maria...

V. Ecce ancilla Domini.
R. Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.
Ave Maria...

V. Et Verbum caro factum est.
R. Et habitavit in nobis.
Ave Maria...

V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genetrix.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Oremus: Gratiam tuam, quaesumus, Domine, mentibus nostris infunde; ut qui, Angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii tui Incarnationem cognovimus, per Passionem eius et Crucem, ad Resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
The Meaning of "The Angelus" and How to Pray It

Meaning: A thrice-daily pause honoring the Incarnation (CCC 2667-2668), it meditates on Mary's fiat through angelic announcement and Word-made-flesh.

How to Pray It: At dawn/noon/sunset; kneel at "be it done." Interrupt work for God. Jesus hears fiat-inspired obedience (Lk 1:38)—pray with availability, drawing Incarnation graces into daily life.

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The St Michael’s Prayer

Pray Now
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, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.
Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio, contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae coelestis, Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute, in infernum detrude. Amen.
The Meaning of "The St Michael’s Prayer" and How to Pray It

Meaning: Composed by Leo XIII (1886) after a vision (CCC 414), it invokes the archangel's battle against Satan (Rev 12:7), arming us spiritually.

How to Pray It: Stand firm, imagining armor; daily or in fear. Jesus hears through angelic aid (Heb 1:14)—pray vigilantly, rejecting sin for heavenly victory.

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The Nicene Creed

Pray Now
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.
Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium. Et in unum Dominum Iesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo, Lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero, genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri; per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est. Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est, et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas, et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris. Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, iudicare vivos et mortuos, cuius regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre Filioque procedit. Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas. Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam. Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen.
The Meaning of "The Nicene Creed" and How to Pray It

Meaning: The ecumenical creed (325/381 AD; CCC 193-195), it defends Trinitarian faith against heresies, detailing Christ's divinity and Church mission.

How to Pray It: Proclaim at Mass or privately, standing tall. Jesus hears ecclesial unity (Jn 17:21)—pray with the Church, letting doctrines fuel hope in eternal life.

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The Memorare

Pray Now
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 by 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.
Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria, non esse auditum a saeculo, quemquam ad tua currentem praesidia, tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia, esse derelictum. Ego tali animatus confidentia, ad te, Virgo Virginum, Mater, curro, ad te venio, coram te gemens peccator assisto. Noli, Mater Verbi, verba mea despicere; sed audi propitia et exaudi. Amen.
The Meaning of "The Memorare" and How to Pray It

Meaning: Attributed to St. Bernard (CCC 970), it trusts Mary's unfailing aid as Mother, rooted in her role at Cana and Calvary.

How to Pray It: In urgent need; imagine under her mantle. Jesus hears confident pleas via Mary (Jn 2:5)—pray persistently, detailing petitions for swift mercy.

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