You do not need special words to start praying: God already knows your heart. Still, a good beginning helps us to remember whom we are speaking to. Catholics usually begin with the Sign of the Cross, then address God simply and honestly. Below are simple ways to start a prayer on your own, a four-step pattern for personal prayer, and ready-to-use opening prayers for meetings, classes, meals and events.
Begin with the Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Sign of the Cross reminds us of our baptism and of the Holy Trinity. See the Sign of the Cross.
Simple opening words
Choose the one that fits what is in your heart:
- “Heavenly Father,” or “Our Father,” as Jesus taught.
- “Lord Jesus,” speaking to Jesus as a friend.
- “Come, Holy Spirit,” asking for light before you pray, study or decide.
- “Lord, I place myself in your presence,” a traditional way to begin mental prayer.
- “O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me,” the verse that opens the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours.
A simple pattern for personal prayer: ACTS
- Adoration: praise God for who he is. “Lord, you are good and faithful.”
- Contrition: say sorry for your sins. “Forgive me for…” See the Act of Contrition.
- Thanksgiving: thank him for his gifts. “Thank you for…”
- Supplication: ask for what you and others need. “Please help…”
These four movements echo the forms of prayer described in the Catechism: blessing and adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving and praise (CCC 2644).
How to end a prayer
Catholic prayers often end “through Christ our Lord. Amen,” because we pray to the Father through Jesus. You can also end with a Glory Be or the Sign of the Cross. Amen means “so be it” or “truly.”
Opening prayers for meetings
Written for this page:
Lord God, we thank you for bringing us together.
Send your Holy Spirit to guide our discussion,
help us to listen to one another with respect,
and let our decisions serve you and the people entrusted to us.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For a parish council or church meeting:
Lord Jesus, this is your Church, not ours.
Give us wisdom, patience and charity,
keep us united in your love, and let all we do today build up your kingdom. Amen.
Opening prayers for school and class
Come, Holy Spirit, open our minds to learn and our hearts to love.
Help us to work hard, to be kind to one another, and to use our gifts for good.
St. Thomas Aquinas, patron of students, pray for us. Amen.
See the St. Thomas Aquinas prayer for his classic prayer before study.
Opening prayers for events and gatherings
Lord, bless this gathering and everyone here.
Thank you for the friendship and the joy we share.
Be with us tonight, keep us safe, and let everything we do give you glory. Amen.
For meals, see our Catholic grace before meals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to start a prayer?
Simply and honestly. Make the Sign of the Cross, be still for a moment, and speak to God as to a loving Father.
Do I have to use special words to pray?
No. The Church’s prayers, like the Our Father, are a great help, but you can always pray in your own words.
How do you start a prayer in a group?
The leader invites everyone to make the Sign of the Cross and says a short opening prayer, perhaps followed by the Our Father and a moment of silence.
More guides to prayer
- How to pray as a Catholic
- Why is prayer important?
- Pray without ceasing
- Catholic prayer FAQ
- Catholic prayers
- Catholic morning prayers
- How to start a bidding prayer
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 2644.
- Opening verse of the Liturgy of the Hours: Psalm 69:2 (70:1 in modern Bibles).
- The opening prayers were written for this page.