The Angelus

This is a centuries-old prayer traditionally recited at 6am, 12 noon, and 6pm. I love the use of the Scriptures* in this prayer.

The Angelus

V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary;

R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

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.

V. "Behold the handmaid of the Lord:

R. "Be it unto me according to thy word."

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.

V. And the Word was made flesh:

R. And dwelt among us.

(One should bow deeply for a few seconds when saying the words "And the Word was made flesh." The bow should be maintained for a few seconds before saying the words "And dwelt among us." This is done to honor the fact that "Jesus who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness." Philippians 2:5b-11 NRSV)

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.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

V. Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His passion and cross be brought to the glory of His resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.



*Scripture verses not marked are from the Third Millennium Bible. Verses marked NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.