35 Best Catholic Prayers for 8th Graders and Reflections

These 35 Catholic prayers are chosen or crafted for 8th graders (ages 13-14) to foster a personal connection with God, encourage moral growth, and provide guidance through the challenges of adolescence. Simple and relatable, they include traditional prayers, saint intercessions, and prayers for school, family, and faith, suitable for classroom, home, or personal use.

35 Best Catholic Prayers for 8th Graders (Full Prayers)

Our Father: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary: 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.
Glory Be: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Act of Contrition: O my God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You. I promise, with Your help, to do better and avoid sin. Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael: St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the devil’s tricks. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do you, O Prince of the angels, by God’s power, cast Satan into hell. Amen.
Guardian Angel Prayer: Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Prayer for School: Dear God, help me focus in school today. Give me wisdom to learn, courage to try, and kindness to my classmates and teachers. Amen.
Prayer for Friends: Jesus, bless my friends and help me be a good friend. Guide us to support each other and make good choices. Amen.
Prayer for Family: Heavenly Father, watch over my family. Keep us safe, loving, and close to You. Help me obey and honor my parents. Amen.
Prayer for Courage: Lord, give me courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. Help me trust in Your strength. Amen.
Morning Offering: Dear God, I offer You my day—my prayers, works, joys, and struggles. May everything I do be for Your glory. Amen.
Prayer Before a Test: Holy Spirit, calm my mind and help me remember what I’ve studied. Guide me to do my best on this test. Amen.
Prayer for Forgiveness: Jesus, forgive me when I hurt others. Help me say sorry and make things right with my heart. Amen.
Prayer to St. Therese: St. Therese, Little Flower, show me how to love Jesus with small acts of kindness. Pray for me to grow in faith. Amen.
Prayer for Peace: Prince of Peace, calm my heart when I’m worried or angry. Help me spread Your peace to others. Amen.
Prayer for the Sick: Lord, comfort those who are sick, especially [name]. Give them healing and hope through Your love. Amen.
Prayer to St. Anthony: St. Anthony, helper in need, please find what I’ve lost [name item]. Guide me to trust God in all things. Amen.
Prayer for Guidance: Holy Spirit, show me the right path when I’m confused. Help me follow God’s plan for my life. Amen.
Prayer Before Mass: Jesus, prepare my heart for Mass. Help me listen to Your word and receive You in the Eucharist with love. Amen.
Prayer After Communion: Thank You, Jesus, for coming to me in the Eucharist. Stay with me and help me live for You. Amen.
Prayer for Teachers: God, bless my teachers with patience and wisdom. Help me respect and learn from them. Amen.
Prayer for Vocations: Lord, show me what You want me to be—a priest, religious, or layperson. Help me say yes to Your call. Amen.
Prayer to St. Francis: St. Francis, lover of peace, pray for me to be kind to all, especially those who need help. Amen.
Prayer for Bullying: Jesus, protect me and others from bullying. Give me strength to be kind and stand up for the hurting. Amen.
Prayer for Gratitude: Thank You, God, for my life, family, and blessings. Help me see Your gifts every day. Amen.
Prayer for Faith: Lord, help me believe in You even when I have doubts. Grow my faith like a mustard seed. Amen.
Prayer for Patience: Holy Spirit, give me patience when things don’t go my way. Help me wait with a happy heart. Amen.
Prayer to St. John Bosco: St. John Bosco, friend of youth, guide me to make good choices and stay close to Jesus. Amen.
Prayer for Sports: God, help me play fair and do my best in sports. Let me honor You with my effort and teamwork. Amen.
Prayer for the Poor: Jesus, open my heart to the poor. Show me how to share and care for those in need. Amen.
Prayer for Protection: Lord, keep me safe from harm today. Surround me with Your love and angels. Amen.
Prayer for Joy: Holy Spirit, fill me with Your joy. Help me smile and share happiness with others. Amen.
Prayer Before Bed: God, thank You for today. Forgive my mistakes and keep me safe tonight. Bless my family and friends. Amen.
Prayer for the World: Father, bring peace to our world. Help leaders make wise choices and people love one another. Amen.
Prayer to Mary, Our Mother: Mary, my Mother, wrap me in your love. Lead me closer to your Son, Jesus, every day. Amen.

Seven Real-Life Stories and Bible Stories

Real-Life Story: Prayer in School
Emma, an 8th grader from Ohio, prayed the Prayer for School before a tough math class in 2024. She felt calm and earned her best grade yet, thanking God for helping her focus.
Bible Story: Daniel’s Prayer (Daniel 6:10-23)
Daniel prayed faithfully despite danger, trusting God, much like Emma relied on prayer for school success.
Real-Life Story: Mary’s Help
Juan, a 13-year-old from Mexico, prayed the Hail Mary when nervous about a school presentation in 2025. He spoke confidently, crediting Mary’s intercession.
Bible Story: The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)
Mary’s “yes” to God’s plan shows her trust, inspiring Juan’s reliance on her prayers.
Real-Life Story: Courage Against Bullying
Sophia, an 8th grader from Nigeria, prayed the Prayer for Bullying when a classmate was teased in 2024. She stood up for them, and the bullying stopped.
Bible Story: David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
David’s courage against Goliath mirrors Sophia’s bravery in defending a peer.
Real-Life Story: St. Michael’s Protection
Liam, a 14-year-old from Ireland, prayed the Prayer to St. Michael after a scary bike accident in 2023. He felt safe and recovered quickly, believing in angelic protection.
Bible Story: Angels Protect Elisha (2 Kings 6:15-17)
Angels surrounded Elisha, reflecting Liam’s trust in St. Michael’s defense.
Real-Life Story: Helping the Poor
Mia, an 8th grader from Brazil, prayed the Prayer for the Poor during a 2025 class project. She organized a food drive, helping local families.
Bible Story: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
The Samaritan’s kindness to a stranger aligns with Mia’s charitable actions.
Real-Life Story: Test Success
Noah, a 13-year-old from Canada, prayed the Prayer Before a Test in 2024. His anxiety eased, and he passed his science exam with confidence.
Bible Story: Solomon’s Wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-12)
Solomon asked for wisdom, paralleling Noah’s prayer for guidance in his test.
Real-Life Story: Family Unity
Ava, an 8th grader from the Philippines, prayed the Prayer for Family when her parents argued in 2025. They reconciled, and Ava felt God answered her prayer.
Bible Story: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
The father’s love for his son reflects Ava’s hope for family healing.

Seven Comments by People

Ethan, 14, USA: “The Prayer for School helps me stay focused during class, especially when I’m stressed.”
Isabella, 13, Mexico: “I love the Hail Mary. It feels like Mary’s always there when I’m scared.”
Chloe, 14, Nigeria: “The Prayer for Bullying gave me courage to help a friend being picked on.”
Finn, 13, Ireland: “St. Michael’s prayer makes me feel safe, like an angel’s watching over me.”
Beatriz, 14, Brazil: “The Prayer for the Poor opened my eyes to help people in my neighborhood.”
Jacob, 13, Canada: “I pray the Prayer Before a Test, and it calms my nerves every time.”
Lila, 14, Philippines: “The Prayer for Family brought my parents closer together when things were tough.”

Ten Bible Verses

Matthew 6:9-10: “Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come…’”
Luke 1:28: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!”
Psalm 23:1-2: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures…”
1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…”
Ephesians 6:12: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual forces of evil…”
Hebrews 1:14: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?”
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
John 15:12: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Ephesians 6:1: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Devotional

Devotional: Growing Closer to God in 8th Grade
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Reflection: 8th grade is a time of big changes—new challenges at school, friendships, and figuring out who you are. The Morning Offering helps you start each day with God, trusting Him to guide you. Like the young Samuel listening to God’s call, you can grow in faith by praying daily.
Application: For one week, pray the Morning Offering when you wake up. Write down one thing each day you want to offer to God (e.g., a test, a kind act). At bedtime, thank God for how He helped you. Keep a small cross or rosary in your pocket as a reminder of His love.
Prayer: Jesus, guide me through 8th grade. Help me trust You and grow in love for You and others. Amen.

Three Stories of Random Catholic Saints

St. Dominic Savio (1842-1857): A young student, Dominic chose to be kind despite peer pressure. An 8th grader in 2024 prayed to him and resisted cheating on a test, inspired by his integrity.
St. Agnes (291-304): At 13, Agnes stayed faithful to Jesus despite persecution. A girl in Nigeria prayed to Agnes in 2025, finding courage to stand up to bullies at school.
St. Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591): This young Jesuit served the sick selflessly. An 8th grader in Brazil prayed to him in 2024, volunteering at a food bank, moved by his example.

Five Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounters with People

The Boy with Loaves and Fish (John 6:1-14): A young boy offered his food, and Jesus multiplied it to feed thousands, showing 8th graders that small acts matter.
The Children Blessed by Jesus (Mark 10:13-16): Jesus welcomed children, teaching that faith like theirs leads to God’s kingdom, encouraging young teens to trust Him.
Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10): Jesus called Zacchaeus to change his ways, inspiring 8th graders to make good choices despite past mistakes.
The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42): Jesus offered her living water, showing teens that He knows and loves them personally.
Peter’s Call (Luke 5:1-11): Jesus invited Peter to follow Him, encouraging 8th graders to say yes to God’s plan for their lives.

Ten Prophetic Declarations

I declare that God’s love guides me through 8th grade’s challenges.
I proclaim that Mary’s prayers help me grow closer to Jesus.
I affirm that the Holy Spirit gives me wisdom for school and life.
I declare that St. Michael protects me from harm and temptation.
I proclaim that my faith grows stronger with every prayer.
I affirm that Jesus’ forgiveness heals my mistakes.
I declare that I am kind and courageous like the saints.
I proclaim that God’s plan for me unfolds with trust and prayer.
I affirm that I share God’s love with my friends and family.
I declare that I walk with Jesus every day, filled with joy.

Ten Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests

Fr. John Bosco: “Young people, pray daily to stay close to Jesus.”
Fr. Pio of Pietrelcina: “Trust God’s mercy when you fall; He lifts you up.”
Fr. John Vianney: “Your prayers are powerful; offer them for others.”
Fr. Fulton Sheen: “Jesus is your friend; talk to Him every day.”
Fr. Thomas Merton: “Find God’s love in the quiet of your heart.”
Fr. Gabriele Amorth: “Call on St. Michael to guard you from evil.”
Fr. Robert Barron: “Your faith is a light for your friends; shine brightly.”
Fr. James Martin: “God loves you just as you are, always.”
Fr. Richard Rohr: “Prayer opens your heart to God’s big plan for you.”
Fr. Ronald Knox: “Be brave in faith; God is with you in every step.”

Ten Prayer Points

Pray the Our Father for trust in God’s care each morning.
Ask Mary through the Hail Mary to guide your day.
Thank the Trinity with the Glory Be for your blessings.
Seek forgiveness with the Act of Contrition when you’ve sinned.
Ask St. Michael for protection from temptation and harm.
Pray to your guardian angel for guidance in tough choices.
Ask for focus and kindness with the Prayer for School.
Pray for strength to be a good friend with the Prayer for Friends.
Seek family unity with the Prayer for Family.
Ask for courage to do what’s right with the Prayer for Courage.

Meditation Writeup

A Meditation for 8th Graders
Find a quiet spot, maybe your room or a church pew, and sit comfortably. Hold a rosary or small cross if you have one. Close your eyes, breathe slowly, and imagine Jesus sitting with you, smiling like a friend.

“Our Father, who art in heaven”: Picture God as a loving Father, watching over you. Thank Him for your life and school.
“Hail Mary, full of grace”: See Mary as your mother, holding your hand. Ask her to help you with a worry or challenge.
“Glory be to the Father”: Imagine the Trinity’s love surrounding you like a warm light. Feel their joy in you.
“Angel of God, my guardian dear”: Picture your guardian angel beside you, guiding your choices today.

Pray the Guardian Angel Prayer slowly, feeling safe in God’s care. Spend a moment in silence, listening for Jesus’ love in your heart. Finish by thanking Him for being your friend, ready to face your day with faith and courage.