The Prayers I Lean On Every Day

Kathie Scott-Avery explains why she relies on traditional prayers, sharing a dozen that provide the foundation for her days. 

I know … some people believe reciting traditional prayers puts us in danger of mindlessly parroting words, thus rendering them pointless and insincere. I don’t completely disagree.  

But I do mostly disagree, primarily for four reasons. 

Prayers Express Spiritual Truth 

First, traditional prayers are treasures worth savoring. They cover deep spiritual truths that deserve daily review and recommitment. And that’s key: they remind us of Who should be at the center of our lives and what we should be contemplating, professing, and doing in response to that. 

Habits Are Important

The second is that habits, even rote ones, can be good. When our family, spread over several states, ends phone conversations with “Love you/Love you too!”, we don’t stop and ponder our current emotional states before making the ritual pronouncement. Yet, far from being a meaningless filler, it reinforces a truth. Sometimes we all “go through the motions” because we know those motions are important. In addition, while there are times when words of prayer slip through our lips without proper attentiveness, there are many others when a familiar phrase resonates in a new or deeper way.  

Prayers Reinforce Our Faith 

Third, research indicates that actions can powerfully influence our attitudes and beliefs. For example, if you want to brighten your day, try smiling. That behavior-to-beliefs pattern also applies to relationships. Saying prayers that reinforce our faith helps us become more prayerful, attentive, and devoted to God.  

Traditional Prayers Provide Focus 

And finally, traditional prayers help us stay focused. If left to my own verbiage, my prayers are likely to meander far from any resemblance to a conversation with the Almighty. Of course, spontaneous comments or pleas throughout the day also have their place. But I’ve found that my spur-of-the-moment utterances are better off happening in addition to the traditional, not instead of them. 

Twelve Prayers I Pray Each Day 

The following dozen help me lay a firm foundation for each day as I pause and reflect on the Trinity, open myself to holy guidance, orient my day properly, express appreciation for heroes and guardians of the Faith, acknowledge my own sinfulness, and pray for the souls in Purgatory. If said in one sitting (although that’s not what I do nor recommend) these twelve traditional prayers can be recited at an unrushed pace in about five minutes.    

Glory Be (Doxology) 

Such a joyous “hello” to the Trinity! 

Our Father

What could be better than recalling words provided by Our Lord?  

Fatima Prayer 

One of five prayers introduced by Our Lady when she appeared in Fatima, Portugal.  

Come Holy Spirit

Glorious receptivity!  

Morning Offering

A great way to orient the day.  

Hail Mary

Revel in the Scriptural phrases spoken to Our Lady.  

Prayer to Saint Joseph 

Pope Leo XIII (who also penned the Saint Michael Prayer) wrote this to join Saint Joseph’s intercession with Mary’s. Given the state of families and the culture, I recently added this.  

Guardian Angel Prayer

I don’t know about yours, but mine deserves heartfelt gratitude!  

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel  

In 1884, Pope Leo XIII wrote this after receiving a vision of evil spirits working fiercely to destroy the Church. 

DIY Litany of Saints 

The saints, our steadfast advocates and intercessors, rejoice over each step toward holiness. I like to call to mind our family’s namesake and Confirmation saints as well as others with whom we share heritage or characteristics, briefly reflect upon our special connection, thank them for their example, and ask for their prayers. (Warning: this can become quite lengthy!)  

Act of Contrition

It’s not just for the Confessional.  

Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory  

How amazing to take part in the mission of aiding the souls in Purgatory! I particularly like the prayer attributed to Saint Gertrude.  

Another is: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.” 

I left out two prayers because they’re so common that they’re practically said automatically by Catholics. Those are the Sign of the Cross, which typically is recited to formally open a time for prayer, and Grace Before Meals, which is specifically linked to meals. 

While my selections may not reflect your go-to list, I hope embracing some core traditional prayers to properly orient and order each day resonates. I’d love to hear your suggestions for daily prayer! 

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Copyright 2025 Kathie Scott-Avery
Images: Canva
A version of this article that includes all the prayers written out is posted on NurturingFamilyFaith.com.