5 Powerful Prayers Every Catholic Should Know
Prayer is the way to sustain a good relationship with God. We know that having good communication leads us to having good relationships. This makes living in harmony and peace easier with those around us. In the same way, prayer is like a telephone with a direct line to God. This is how we communicate with Him without interruptions. He teaches us to follow His will and feel His infinite love. He also allows us to tell Him how we are growing in our lives and thank Him for loving us intensely.
That is why the Catholic Church, through the Holy Spirit, has given us several prayers to remember and know how to speak to God. Sometimes, it is easy to get distracted by the world, our selfish inclinations, or simply have no idea what to say.
These are five prayers that every Catholic should know to grow in their relationship with God. They are not the only ones but fundamental to our faith!
The 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.
Jesus wants us to have an intimate relationship with God. In the Gospel of St. Matthew, he teaches his disciples how to pray. This prayer is the perfect way to pray because it teaches us how to speak to God.
First, we must recognize that God is the Almighty and Creator of the universe. Second, we ask Him to have a unique presence with us as He does in heaven. Third, we recognize that God’s will is better than our requests. Fourth, we ask Him to feed us spiritually. Fifth, forgiveness depends on our hearts’ willingness to forgive. Sixth, we recognize that we are susceptible to temptations, but we trust that He will give us the strength not to fall into sin. And lastly, we ask not to fight off the enemy’s influence.
The 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.
Mary is the mother of God, and as she said when she spoke to her cousin Elizabeth, her soul magnifies the Lord. As Catholics, we know that Mary has a very special role in the history of salvation. If you want to know more about Mary’s power as an intercessor for Christians, you can watch the videos at the end of the article and read more about her here.
Therefore, the Virgin Mary will always want God’s will to be done. That is why we must trust that Mary values our needs. She has a special place in the heart of the Holy Trinity and shares her love for God with us.
The 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;
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.
The Creed is an essential prayer for Christians as it affirms our beliefs as Catholics. We recognize the truth of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the importance of the Holy Catholic Church, and our hope in the salvation of faithful believers.
The Guardian Angel Prayer
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, Rule and guide. 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, Rule and guide. Amen.
We know we are all assigned to an angel who cares for us during our earthly lives at conception. That is why it is important to recognize his existence and always ask him to guide us to God.
The Act of Contrition
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, 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.
We are sinners, but when we are baptized, the Holy Spirit adopts us into the love of God, and we can share in his grace. We know that God loves us, and through that love, He will grant us His infinite mercy if we only repent for how we offend Him with our sins.
These five prayers help us grow in faith and hope. They help us live intensely the reality of our relationship with Almighty God.