Prayer

How We Pray (Devotions)

Scripture tells us that even when we do not know how to pray the Spirit comes to
our aid. When we are at a loss for words, or struggling to feel the connection we desire with our Lord, the Spirit helps us, and in the end God knows our heart.

Prayer is dialogue with God. It’s as simple as a conversation with the Lord. Most of us
pray every day, even in small ways: “Thank you, Lord.” or “ Help me, Lord.” As Catholic
Christians, we learn traditional formal prayers, and we also learn about the many types of prayer. One way is not better than another. The end goal is the same – that we grow closer in intimacy with the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Our children learn prayers best by repetition and practice. If a child is learning a formal prayer it should be repeated with a family member often until it is learned. If a
child is learning TO pray, than it is most helpful to make prayer a part of the family routine: meal time prayer (grace) is one way to do this. Because children have bed time routines, it is often easy to make prayer a part of that routine.

Basic Catholic Prayers:
Act of Contrition
The Angelus
The Apostles’ Creed
The Glory Be
Hail Mary
The Holy Rosary
The Our Father
Prayer to St. Michael The Archangel
Prayer to your Guardian Angel

Devotions are manifestations of our profound love of God, rooted in worship and service to his Holy Name. As Catholics, it is our readiness to give honor and glory to God, whether in public or private prayer, or by performing some act of God’s will, that exercises our own spirituality. Through prayer, our devotions reaffirm our total commitment to our Lord, Jesus Christ. And in return, we hope to obtain favors that only He can provide through his infinite mercy and blessings. 

The following Catholic devotions are designed to help Catholics grow in their faith and love of God. We invite you to try different ones and make them part of your daily devotion along your spiritual journey.

  • Novenas
    Marian Novenas
    Sacred Heart Novenas
    Saints Novenas
    Special Novenas
  • Litanies
    The Sacred Heart
    The Precious Blood
    The Saints
    The Blessed Virgin
    St. Joseph
    Private Litanies
  • The Rosary
  • The Holy Spirit
  • Divine Mercy
  • The Sacred and Immaculate Hearts
  • Stations of the Cross
  • Fatima