Daily Readings & Prayers

Daily readings

The Church reads from Scripture every day at Mass. Reading the daily Gospel at home is a simple way to pray with the whole Church, even if you cannot get to Mass that day.

The daily readings are available free online from the USCCB and through many Catholic apps. Read slowly, notice one line that stays with you, and carry it into the day.

Daily prayer

The Catechism describes prayer as a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. When we pray, we enter a conversation: we bring God our gratitude, our worries, our hopes — and we make room to listen, through silence, through Scripture, and through the people God puts in our lives. As in any relationship, you are invited not only to speak but to listen with an open heart.

Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive. — Matthew 21:22

Prayer for Vocations

O God, you have chosen the apostles to make disciples of all nations, and by baptism and confirmation have called all of us to build up your holy Church. Lord, help us listen and be open to your call. May we be a Church of many priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful who love you with our whole hearts and gladly spend our entire lives to make you known and loved by all. Amen.

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, heal me. Blood of Christ, drench me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. Good Jesus, hear me. In your wounds shelter me. From turning away keep me. From the evil one protect me. At the hour of death call me. Into your presence lead me, to praise you with all your saints forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to St. Michael

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Prayer for the youth of our parish

O loving Father, look with compassion on the youth of our parish. Protect them from the dangers present in our world today. Help them to find faith in the midst of chaos, hope in the midst of uncertainty, and love in the midst of hurt. Sow your wisdom in their minds; weave your peace within their plans, and plant your joy deep within their hearts. We humbly ask these through Jesus Christ our Lord, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer for St. James School

Heavenly Father, down through the ages you have called your servants to build up your house for your glory. Be with us now as we build a firm foundation for the future of St. James School. Protect those who work for this end, and reward the many friends of this school community who have generously helped us. Help us to build a strong community here, where the children's faith will be safeguarded and their education happily completed. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Going further

The Liturgy of the Hours — the Church's daily rhythm of psalms and readings — is free online through iBreviary. The Hallow app offers thousands of guided prayer sessions. The simplest prayer of all needs no app: a few minutes of honest silence with God, anywhere.