Hail Mary prayer text
Introduction to Prayer
The Hail Mary is a well-known Catholic prayer consisting of two main parts: the first part taken from the words that the archangel Gabriel addressed to Mary during the Annunciation, while the second part was added later. This prayer is widely used in the Catholic tradition and is often taught to children from their infancy.
Hail Mary prayer full text
“Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with you.
You are blessed among women
And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and in the hour of our death. Amen.”
Origin and Meaning of the Hail Mary
The first part, “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee…,” is taken directly from the Gospel of Luke (1:28) and represents the Archangel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary during the Annunciation, announcing to her that she would become the mother of Jesus Christ. The second part, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen,” was added later by the Catholic Church and reflects veneration of Mary as an intercessor for sinners, asking her to pray for them both in the present and at the time of death.
Importance and Teaching
The Hail Mary is a very common prayer in the Catholic tradition and plays an important role in Marian devotion. It is often taught to children as part of their religious training and is a way of invoking Mary’s help and protection at crucial moments in life.
Other Marian Prayers
In addition to the Hail Mary, there are numerous other prayers dedicated to Our Lady, each with its own meaning and specific devotion. Some of these prayers include:
- Regina Coeli: A prayer of joy for the resurrection of Jesus.
- Salve Regina: A prayer expressing supplication and trust in Our Lady’s protection.
- Magnificat: A prayer based on Mary’s song in Luke’s Gospel.
- Sub Tuum Praesidium: One of the oldest Christian prayers addressed to Mary.
- Memorare: A prayer invoking Our Lady’s help in times of need.
- Rosary: A sequence of meditative prayers on the life of Jesus and Our Lady.
These prayers reflect specific Marian virtues and offer different ways of expressing devotion and trust in Mary’s protection and intercession.
