The Hail Mary joins the words of the angel Gabriel and of St Elizabeth to a humble petition for Our Lady's prayers. It is the prayer most often on Catholic lips.
The Prayer
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.
When to Pray This Prayer
Throughout the day, in the Rosary, in the Angelus, and whenever we ask Our Lady's intercession.
About This Prayer
The first half comes from the Gospel of Luke (the Annunciation and the Visitation). The Church added the petition 'Holy Mary, Mother of God' over the centuries.
Related Prayers
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Text: traditional. Scriptural basis: Luke 1. Source: USCCB Basic Prayers.