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Essential Prayers - Prayers all Catholics Should Know

Every Catholic should know these prayers by heart. From the Sign of the Cross to basic morning and evening prayers, we should memorize the standard prayers of the Church to use as a starting point in our daily prayer.
The Sign of the Cross
What is the Sign of the Cross, and how do Catholics pray it? Find the text and instructions here, and memorize the Sign of the Cross.
The Apostles' Creed
The Apostles' Creed is a brief statement of the fundamental Christian beliefs, a profession of faith. Tradition tells us that the Apostles' Creed was handed down from the Apostles themselves.
Grace Before Meals
We should always ask God's blessing on us and our food before we eat. Find the text of the Grace Before Meals here.
Grace After Meals
Why should we pray Grace After Meals? Find the reason and the text here, and memorize the Grace After Meals.
The Our Father
The Our Father was taught by Jesus Christ himself to his disciples. Find the text here, and memorize the Our Father.
The Hail Mary
The Hail Mary is the chief Catholic prayer to Mary, the Mother of God. Find the text here, and memorize the Hail Mary.
The Glory Be
The Glory Be is one of the earliest known prayers to refer to the Holy Trinity. Find the text here, and memorize the Glory Be.
The Act of Contrition
What is the Act of Contrition, and when do Catholics say it? Find the text here, and memorize the Act of Contrition.
The Guardian Angel Prayer
In the Guardian Angel Prayer, we ask our guardian angel to protect us. It is a good prayer to try to help children learn how to pray. Find the text of the Guardian Angel Prayer here.
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