Common Catholic Prayers

Common Catholic prayers include petitions made specifically to Jesus, Mary, the Holy Spirit and many saints and angels, as well as more general doctrinal meditations. Some, such as those accompanying the rosary, instruct daily recitation. Others suit special occasions ranging from acts of contrition for sins to intercession for the victims of hurricanes.

Prayers shared with other denominations

The most common Catholic prayers include many widely found in other denominations, often by the same name. “Our Father Who Art in Heaven” and “The Apostles' Creed” appear almost universally in Christendom. “Glory Be” (known elsewhere as the Doxology) and “The Sign of the Cross” (also known as “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”) enjoy wide popularity in baptisms and other blessings.

Uniquely Catholic prayers

Prayers specific to the Catholic church include the notable “Hail Mary,” along with many other Marian prayers for a variety of situations. Also unique to Catholics, the rosary prayers constitute an entire system to help the devout pray with different focuses and meditations throughout the week. The practice incorporates the prayers cited above, and specific motions to accompany the “Sign of the Cross.”

Prayers to specific saints

Prayers to appropriate patron saints considered to help in certain circumstances include those to Saint Paul for a deeper faith and love for the Lord, to Saint Cecilia for musical inspiration, and the well-known prayer to Saint Francis of Assisi, beginning “Lord, make me a channel of thy peace," requesting that the petitioner find ways to bring good to a needy world.

Common Catholic prayers range from those offered before or after Mass or daily meals to others intended for certain events, providing a source of inspiration and hope for many.