Begin with the prayer
The Hail Mary is a biblical and traditional prayer that asks Mary to pray for us and keep us near Jesus. It is not worship of Mary. Worship belongs to God alone.
The heart of the prayer is Jesus: blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Prayer text
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.
How to pray with this guide
- What does this prayer teach? The Hail Mary joins Scripture, honour for Mary, and a request for her intercession, with Jesus at the centre.
- How can I pray it? Pray one Hail Mary slowly and pause at the name of Jesus.
- What can I try this week? Read Luke 1 and notice which words come from Gabriel and Elizabeth.
Why Catholics pray Hail Mary
It joins Scripture, honour for Mary, and a request for intercession at the heart of Christian need. It is a prayer close to Jesus because Mary is close to Jesus.
Where the words come from
The first part echoes Gabriel’s greeting to Mary and Elizabeth’s blessing in Luke 1. The second part asks Mary, the Mother of God, to pray for us now and at the hour of our death.
Why Catholics ask Mary to pray
Catholics believe the saints are alive in Christ and can pray for us. Asking Mary to pray is like asking the holiest mother in God’s family to intercede, always in dependence on Jesus.
How to pray it well
Pause at the name of Jesus. Let the prayer move from greeting Mary to receiving Christ. If Marian devotion is new, stay close to Luke 1 and Mary And Jesus.
Open the Scripture
Let the Scripture reference tune the prayer. Notice one word or scene that changes how you speak to God.
Catechism to consult
The Catechism reference helps show where this prayer sits inside Catholic life, worship, doctrine, and spiritual formation.
Try it this week
Pray one Hail Mary slowly and pause at ‘Jesus.’ Ask Mary to help you listen to him.
Deeper resources and next steps
- Read Luke 1:26-56.
- Read Mary And Jesus if you wonder whether Mary distracts from Christ.
- Use the Hail Mary inside The Rosary.
For families, children, and conversation
For children, say: Mary loves Jesus perfectly and asks him to help us. Then pray one Hail Mary together.
A short prayer
Jesus, keep me close to you. Mary, Mother of God, pray for me now and at the hour of my death. Amen.
#mary #rosary