Prayers
The Apostles Creed
The Lord's Prayer
Hail Mary
Rosary
Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Other Catholic Prayers
Seasonal Prayers
Monthly Prayers for Priests
This prayer is the epitome of Christian doctrine. In twelve articles, it contains the truths taught by the apostles. It has existed essentially since the second century and was first referred to in the fourth century. The earliest text dates from the eighth century. Developed by early church councils, it was adopted in its present form in the eleventh century. Since the early centuries of the Western Church, catechumens were required to learn and recite it before Baptism.
Taken from Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4. The Latin name for the Lord’s Prayer, Pater Noster, means “Our Father.” For many years, Catholics referred to the Lord’s Prayer as “the Our Father.” The seven petitions of the Lord’s Prayer are a synthesis of faith and a statement of values. For a more thorough description see the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC #’s 2759 – 2865).
The Hail Mary is a composite of the angel Gabriel’s greeting (Luke 1:28) and Elizabeth’s greeting (Luke 1:42), both to Mary. It has been a popular prayer since the eleventh century. The name Jesus was added in the thirteenth century. Various versions of the Holy Mary emerged in the fourteenth century and were in general use by the sixteenth century.
The rosary is called the Psalter of Mary because all fifteen of its mysteries, with their 150 Aves, correspond to the number of the psalms. Praying all fifteen decades at once is called the Dominican Rosary. The Rosary is the most well-known and used form of chaplet (a devotion using beads; from a French word meaning “crown” or “wreath”). There are other chaplets, such as the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and one in honor of Mary of the Immaculate Conception.
From the diary of a young Polish nun, a special devotion began spreading throughout the world in the 1930s. The message is nothing new, but is a reminder of what the Church has always taught through scripture and tradition: that God is merciful and forgiving and that we, too, must show mercy and forgiveness. But in the Divine Mercy devotion, the message takes on a powerful new focus, calling people to a deeper understanding that God’s love is unlimited and available to everyone — especially the greatest sinners.
Other Catholic Prayers
Seasonal Prayers - Coming Soon
June Monthly Prayers for Priests
