The Hail Mary Prayer
The Hail Mary 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.
Explanation
- Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: These words are taken from the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel greets Mary with the title "full of grace" (Luke 1:28).
- Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus: Elizabeth's greeting to Mary when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:42).
- Holy Mary, Mother of God: Affirms Mary's role as the Mother of Jesus Christ, who is both human and divine.
- Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen: Asks for Mary's intercession on behalf of sinners, seeking her prayers both now and at the time of death.
Usage
- The Hail Mary is commonly prayed as part of the Rosary, a popular Catholic devotion that involves meditative prayer on the mysteries of the life of Jesus Christ and Mary.
- It is also used in daily prayers, liturgical celebrations, and personal devotions as a way to seek Mary's intercession and to express devotion to her role in salvation history.
Significance
- The Hail Mary is significant because it honors Mary's unique role as the Mother of Jesus and acknowledges her intercessory power as a beloved figure in Catholic devotion.
- It reflects the Catholic belief in the communion of saints, where believers ask for the prayers of Mary and other saints to help them grow closer to God and attain salvation.
- It is a prayer that emphasizes Mary's humility, grace, and willingness to cooperate with God's plan, serving as a model of faith and discipleship for all Christians.