A short traditional prayer for the first moment of waking. The Prayer O my God, I offer Thee all that I shall do, think, or say this day. Keep me from sin, and help me to love Thee. Amen. Sources: Traditional rising prayer; classic manuals, public domain.

Begin the day by greeting your Guardian Angel. The Prayer O my good Angel, whom God has appointed to be my guardian, enlighten me, protect me, defend me, and govern me this day. Amen. Sources: Traditional Guardian Angel morning prayer; classic manuals, public domain.

In the communion of saints, the Church teaches us to pray with words tested by time. Make this prayer your own, and entrust your needs to God’s mercy. Filed under Morning & Evening Prayers, it is presented in a traditional English form drawn from public-domain sources. The Prayer Out of the depths I have cried unto Thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand? For

This beloved traditional prayer belongs to the living memory of the Church. Pray it slowly, with faith, and offer it for those entrusted to your care. Filed under Morning & Evening Prayers, it is presented in a traditional English form drawn from public-domain sources. The Prayer Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy: let Thy holy Angels dwell herein to keep us in peace, and may Thy blessing be always upon us. Through o

After the meal, linger a moment to thank God and remember those who have gone before us. Gratitude after eating is as traditional as the blessing before it. This form also asks rest for the faithful departed—a quiet work of charity at every table. The Prayer We give Thee thanks, O Almighty God, for all Thy mercies. Who livest and reignest world without end. R. Amen. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to reward with eternal life all those who do us good for Thy name's sake. R. Amen. V. Let us

Food is a gift, and gratitude turns an ordinary meal into thanksgiving. A short blessing before eating keeps God's bounty in view. Make the Sign of the Cross and pray together when you can. The Prayer Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen. Sources: Traditional form; cf. Baltimore Manual of Prayers (1889).

In Eastertide the Church replaces the Angelus with the Regina Caeli, a joyful antiphon that proclaims the Resurrection. Stand as you pray it—joy rises with the Risen Lord. Use this form from Holy Saturday until Trinity Eve, as the traditional manuals direct. The Prayer O Queen of heaven, rejoice! Alleluia. For He whom thou didst merit to bear, Alleluia, Hath arisen, as He said, Alleluia. Pray for us to God. Alleluia. V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia. R. For the

The Angelus recalls the mystery of the Incarnation three times each day—morning, noon, and night. It is a brief pause that keeps Mary's fiat and the Word made Flesh before our eyes. Kneel if you can (except on Saturday evening and throughout Sunday), and answer the versicles with a quiet heart. The Prayer V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. R. And she conceived by the Holy Ghost. Hail, Mary, etc. V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. R. Be it done unto me according to

Beginning the day with God sets a sure course for whatever comes. The Morning Offering places every thought, word, and work under His care before we step into the day's duties. Pray it slowly after the Sign of the Cross, and renew it whenever you need to return your heart to the Lord. The Prayer O my God, I most humbly thank Thee for all the favors Thou hast bestowed upon me up to the present moment. I give Thee thanks from the bottom of my heart that Thou hast created me aft

Catholics have prayed these words for generations. Take a quiet moment, place yourself in God’s presence, and let this traditional prayer shape your intention today. Filed under Morning & Evening Prayers, it is presented in a traditional English form drawn from public-domain sources. The Prayer O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer Thee my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Thy Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrif