Act of Hope

The Act of Hope is one of the traditional "acts" of the theological virtues that Catholics have learned by heart for generations. Hope is the virtue by which we trust that God will give us eternal life and the grace we need to reach it, relying not on our own strength but on His goodness, His promises, and the merits of Jesus Christ.

Pray it each morning, when you feel discouraged or anxious about the future, when you are tempted to despair after sin, or at the bedside of someone who is dying. It pairs naturally with the Acts of Faith and Love, and many families pray all three together at morning or night prayer. Say it slowly and with confidence; God keeps His promises.

The Prayer

O my God, relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.

Sources: Traditional Act of Hope; Baltimore Manual tradition, public domain.

---

If these prayers help you, you can support Daily Catholic Prayers, a private passion project, starting at $5.