The Morning Offering
Prayed on waking, it hands the whole day — its work, joys, and hardships — to God before it begins.
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all the Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month. Amen.
The Angelus
Traditionally prayed at six in the morning, at noon, and at six in the evening, recalling the Incarnation. A Hail Mary follows each of the first three versicles.
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
— Hail Mary…
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to thy 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 Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy 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.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
A traditional invocation of the Holy Spirit, prayed before work or study.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray. O God, who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Act of Contrition
An expression of sorrow for sin, prayed in the evening and in the Sacrament of Confession.
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.
The Evening Examination of Conscience
Not a fixed text but a brief, prayerful review of the day. A simple, traditional pattern:
- Give thanks to God for the graces and gifts of the day.
- Ask the Holy Spirit for light to see the day honestly.
- Review the day hour by hour — thoughts, words, deeds, and things left undone.
- Make an Act of Contrition for whatever fell short.
- Resolve, with God's grace, to begin again tomorrow.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
The short prayer of Pope Leo XIII, long prayed for protection. It leads naturally to the fuller Chaplet of St. Michael.
St. 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, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
The Apostles' Creed
The ancient baptismal creed of the Church of Rome, prayed at the start of the Rosary and in the profession of faith.
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 sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall 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.