Morning Prayers

Starting your day with morning prayers is an ancient tradition that has been passed down through generations in the Catholic faith. It is a way to connect with God, focus the mind, and set a positive tone for the day ahead. Whether you are a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a student, taking time to pray in the morning can help to provide guidance, strength, and peace in the face of life's challenges.

On this page, we will explore the different types of morning prayers that are popular in the Catholic faith, including the Angelus, the Morning Offering, and the Liturgy of the Hours. We will also discuss other spiritual practices that can be incorporated into your morning routine, such as reading the Bible or other spiritual texts, and reflection.

Here is a short guide on how to pray the Angelus:

1. Begin by making the Sign of the Cross.
2. Then recite the first part of the prayer: "The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived by the Holy Spirit."
3. Next, recite the Hail Mary: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen."
4. Then recite the second part of the prayer: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy word."
5. Next, recite the Hail Mary again.
6. Recite the third part of the prayer: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."
7. Next, recite the Hail Mary again.
8. Conclude by reciting the Glory Be: "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."
9. Finally, make the Sign of the Cross.

It's important to note that you can also recite the angelus with a rosary or with a bell ring, it's also good to put your own personal touch to it and make it more meaningful to you. You may also want to add your own intentions or petitions to these prayers. And don't be afraid to seek guidance from a priest or spiritual director if you have any questions about how to pray the angelus.

The Morning Offering 

The Morning Offering is a traditional Catholic prayer that is said upon waking up in the morning, it's a way of dedicating the day ahead to God. Praying the Morning Offering can be a powerful way to start the day with a deeper sense of purpose and intention. The prayer expresses a willingness to offer oneself and one's actions to God, and to use the day to serve Him and others. It helps to put our focus on God and to make the day a spiritual exercise. It reminds us that everything we do, no matter how small or insignificant, can be an act of love and service to God and to others. Additionally, the Morning Offering can serve as a reminder to keep God in mind throughout the day and to be more mindful of our actions. It's also a way of making our daily routine more meaningful, and it can help to create a sense of purpose and direction in our lives.

The prayer goes as follows:

"O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen."

The Liturgy of the Hours

The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, is a set of daily prayers prescribed by the Catholic Church for the sanctification of the day. It is a way of praising God, of interceding for the needs of the Church and the world, and of growing in holiness. The Liturgy of the Hours is an ancient and rich tradition that has been passed down through the centuries and is still used by priests, religious, and laypeople today. It is an opportunity to join the Church in prayer, to be in union with the whole body of Christ, and to be in harmony with the rhythms of the natural world. The Liturgy of the Hours is divided into four parts: Morning Prayer (Lauds), Daytime Prayer (Terce, Sext, None), Evening Prayer (Vespers) and Night Prayer (Compline). Each hour is made up of psalms, hymns, and readings, and it's an excellent way to deepen your spiritual life and to connect with God throughout the day.

Praying the Liturgy of the Hours can seem overwhelming at first, but with a little guidance, it can become a meaningful and uplifting daily practice. Here is a basic guide on how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours:

1. Obtain a copy of the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the "breviary." This can be found in physical form or as an app.

2. Choose the hour you wish to pray. The most common hours are Morning Prayer (Lauds), Daytime Prayer (Terce, Sext, None), Evening Prayer (Vespers) and Night Prayer (Compline).

3. Find the day's readings and psalms for the chosen hour. The breviary will have the readings and psalms for each day of the liturgical calendar.

4. Read the introductory prayers for the chosen hour, which includes the sign of the cross, the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be.

5. Read the psalms for the chosen hour. The psalms are divided into different sections and it's good to take your time and reflect on them as you read.

6. Read the reading for the chosen hour, this can be from the Old or New Testament.

7. Read the intercessions, also known as the "universal prayer" or the "prayer of the faithful."

8. Conclude with the closing prayers and make the sign of the cross.

It's important to find a quiet place and to create a sense of intimacy with God while praying the Liturgy of the Hours, it's good to use a breviary, but if you don't have it handy you can use an app or the internet. And don't be afraid to seek guidance from a priest or spiritual director if you have any questions about how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

General Catholic Morning Prayer

Heavenly Father, As I begin this new day, I come to you in humility and gratitude. I thank you for the gift of life and for the many blessings you have bestowed upon me. I ask for your guidance and strength as I navigate the challenges and opportunities that this day may bring.

Help me to see the beauty in all things and to be a source of love and light to those around me. Give me the wisdom to make good decisions and the courage to follow through on them. I entrust my day and all that I will do to you, Lord, knowing that you are always by my side.

I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Morning Prayer for a positive start of the day

Lord Jesus, As I start this new day, I place myself under your loving care and protection. I ask that you guide my steps and bless my endeavors. Give me the grace to face any challenges that may come my way with courage and hope. I trust in your promise that "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”(John 16:33) I ask that you fill me with your Holy Spirit, so that I may radiate your love and truth to all those I encounter today. I give you all my worries and cares and I trust in your loving plan for my life.

I ask this through your name, Amen.

Morning prayer to bless our loved ones

Heavenly Father, As I start this new day, I come to you with a grateful heart. I thank you for the many blessings in my life, and for the love and support of my family, friends and loved ones. I ask that you bless them with your grace and protection, and that you guide them in all their endeavors. I ask that you bless my work and all those I will meet today, give me the wisdom to serve them with kindness and love.

I pray for your blessings upon my coworkers, my clients, my colleagues and all those who support me in my journey. May they feel your presence in their lives and may they be filled with peace, joy and hope.

I give you my day and I trust in your loving plan for my life. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Morning Prayer to your Guardian Angel

Dear Guardian Angel, As I start this new day, I ask for your protection and guidance. I thank you for your constant presence in my life and for your loving watch over me. I ask that you guide my steps and bless my endeavors. Please keep me safe from all harm and guide me on the path of righteousness.

I pray that you grant me the wisdom to make good decisions and the courage to face any challenges that may come my way. I ask that you fill my heart with peace and my mind with clarity, so that I may be an instrument of your love and truth to all those I encounter today.

I entrust this day to you and I trust in your loving care. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Morning Bible readings 

Psalm 5:3 "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."

Isaiah 40:31 "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

Lamentations 3:22-23 "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?"

Psalm 63:1 "O God, you are my God; early will I seek you: my soul thirsts for you, my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;"

Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Conclusions on Morning Prayers

By setting aside even just a few minutes in the morning to pray, you can gain a deeper understanding of God's love and grace, and be better equipped to face the challenges and joys of the day ahead. We encourage you to try incorporating these prayers, such as the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be, as well as others like the Angelus, the Morning Offering, and the Liturgy of the Hours, into your daily routine. Additionally, it's important to find a time of day that works best for you to recite morning prayers and make it a daily routine. Remember, spending time with God in the morning can provide guidance and strength to face the challenges of the day ahead.