Top 35 Catholic Prayers for Help

Below is a curated list of 35 Catholic prayers specifically focused on seeking help, followed by real-life and Bible stories, comments, Bible verses, stories of saints, stories of Jesus’ encounters, prophetic declarations, prayer points, and a meditation writeup.

35 Catholic Prayers for Help (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 amongst 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 heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel: Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
The Memorare: Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Anima Christi: Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds hide me. Separated from Thee let me never be. From the malignant enemy, defend me. At the hour of death, call me, and close to Thee bid me, that with Thy saints I may be praising Thee forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer to the Guardian Angel: 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.
Hail Holy Queen: Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
The Angelus: V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary… V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. R. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary… V. And the Word was made Flesh. R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary… V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray: 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. Amen.
Prayer for Protection: Dear God, as I start this new day, I come to You seeking protection. Please cover me with Your divine grace and shield me from any harm or danger that may come my way. Protect me from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm, and grant me the courage to face any challenges I may encounter. Amen.
Prayer for Healing: Heavenly Father, I thank You for loving me. I thank You for sending Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to the world to save and to set me free. I trust in Your power and grace that sustain and restore me. Loving Father, touch me now with Your healing hands, for I believe that Your will is for me to be well in mind, body, soul, and spirit. Cover me with the Most Precious Blood of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. Amen.
Prayer for Guidance: O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of your faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolations, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Peace: Lord, help me surrender my worries to You and trust in Your peace. Fill me with peace that surpasses understanding. Help me to rest in Your presence, knowing that You are in control of all things. Amen.
Prayer for Strength: Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds hide me. Separated from Thee let me never be. From the malignant enemy, defend me. Amen.
Prayer for Wisdom: Heavenly Father, I ask for Your wisdom to guide my decisions. Grant me discernment to know Your will and the courage to follow it. Amen.
Prayer for Forgiveness: 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 whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Prayer to St. Joseph: O glorious Saint Joseph, you were chosen by God to be the foster father of Jesus, the most pure spouse of Mary, ever virgin, and the head of the Holy Family. Pray for us, O blessed Joseph, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Prayer for the Sick: Heavenly Father, I come before You asking for healing. Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, I know that You are the ultimate source of healing. Please touch my body, mind, and soul with Your restoring power. Amen.
Prayer for Deliverance: Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your Precious Blood, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank you Jesus. I shall follow you every day of my life. Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name, which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying. O Purest Mary, O Sweetest Mary, let thy name henceforth be ever on my lips. Amen.
Prayer for Financial Provision: Father, I trust in Your provision for all my needs. Please bless me with the resources I require and help me to manage them wisely. May I be a good steward of all that You have entrusted to me. Amen.
Prayer for Family Unity: Holy Family of Nazareth, make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God’s plan. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Amen.
Prayer for Hope: Lord, fill me with hope in Your promises. Let me trust in Your goodness and know that You are always with me, even in my darkest moments. Amen.
Prayer for Courage: O Lord, grant me a steady hand and watchful eye, that no one shall be hurt as I pass by. Strengthen me to face my fears and act according to Your will. Amen.
Prayer to St. Jude: Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Amen.
Prayer for the Poor: Lord, look upon the poor and needy with compassion. Provide for their needs and inspire us to act with generosity and love. Amen.
Prayer for Discernment: Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.
Prayer for Perseverance: Lord, grant me the strength to persevere through trials. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and to trust in Your unending love. Amen.
Prayer for Protection from Evil: St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. Amen.
Prayer for the Sorrowful: Comfort, O Lord, those who are afflicted and sorrowful. Wrap them in Your love and grant them peace. Amen.
Prayer for Vocations: Lord Jesus, raise up holy priests, religious, and laypeople to serve Your Church. Guide them in their vocations and fill them with Your Spirit. Amen.
Prayer for the Dying: O good Jesus, hear me. At the hour of my death, call me and bid me come to You, that with Your saints I may praise You forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for Travelers: Grant me, O Lord, a steady hand and watchful eye. That no one shall be hurt as I pass by. Protect me on my journey and bring me safely home. Amen.
Prayer for the Holy Souls: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

7 Real-Life Stories and Bible Stories

Real-Life Story: St. Monica’s Perseverance
St. Monica prayed tirelessly for her son Augustine’s conversion. Despite his wayward life, her prayers led to his transformation into St. Augustine, a Doctor of the Church. Her persistent prayer is a testament to trusting God’s timing.
Bible Story: The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)
Jesus tells the parable of a widow who persistently seeks justice from an unjust judge. Her perseverance leads to her plea being granted, teaching us to pray without ceasing.
Real-Life Story: Healing Through Prayer
A woman battling cancer in 2020 found solace in meditating on Psalm 23, writing it on her hospital room’s whiteboard. Her faith sustained her through treatment, and she attributed her recovery to prayer.
Bible Story: Hannah’s Prayer (1 Samuel 1:10-20)
Hannah, barren and distressed, prayed fervently for a child. God granted her request, and she gave birth to Samuel, dedicating him to God’s service.
Real-Life Story: Financial Breakthrough
A family struggling with debt prayed the Prayer for Financial Provision daily. Within months, they received unexpected job opportunities and financial aid, which they attributed to God’s provision through prayer.
Bible Story: Daniel in the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6:10-23)
Daniel’s unwavering prayer life, even under threat of death, led to his miraculous deliverance from the lions’ den, showcasing God’s protection.
Real-Life Story: St. John Paul II’s Forgiveness
After surviving an assassination attempt in 1981, St. John Paul II prayed for and forgave his attacker, demonstrating the power of the Act of Contrition and forgiveness in healing personal wounds.

7 Comments by People

“The Memorare has been my go-to prayer during tough times. When I lost my job, I prayed it daily, and I found peace and a new opportunity within weeks.” – Maria, 34
“Praying to St. Michael gives me strength to face my fears. It feels like a shield against negativity in my life.” – James, 42
“The Anima Christi after Communion helps me feel closer to Jesus. It’s like He’s speaking directly to my heart.” – Sarah, 29
“I prayed the Prayer for Healing for my sick child, and while the recovery was slow, I felt God’s presence guiding us through.” – Elizabeth, 45
“The Our Father is simple but covers everything I need—forgiveness, provision, and protection. It’s my daily anchor.” – Thomas, 50
“When I was struggling with anxiety, the Prayer for Peace brought me calm I couldn’t explain. It’s like God took my worries away.” – Anna, 27
“The Hail Mary is my comfort prayer. When my mother passed, I prayed it repeatedly, and it felt like Mary was holding my hand.” – Michael, 38

10 Bible Verses

Psalm 23:1-3: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.”
Psalm 50:15: “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
John 16:24: “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
James 5:16: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
1 Chronicles 4:10: “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.”

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

St. Thérèse of Lisieux – The Little Flower
St. Thérèse, a 19th-century French Carmelite nun, faced chronic illness and feelings of inadequacy but offered her small acts of love to God. Her “Little Way” of doing small things with great love inspired millions. She once prayed for a criminal facing execution, and he repented at the last moment, kissing a crucifix, which she attributed to her intercessory prayers.
St. Maximilian Kolbe – Martyr of Charity
During World War II, St. Maximilian, a Polish priest, was imprisoned in Auschwitz. When ten prisoners were sentenced to death, he volunteered to take the place of a man with a family, praying the Rosary and singing hymns until his death. His sacrifice inspired hope and faith among prisoners.
St. Bernadette Soubirous – Visionary of Lourdes
St. Bernadette, a poor French girl, saw visions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes in 1858. Despite skepticism and illness, she remained humble and prayerful. Her prayers led to the establishment of Lourdes as a healing shrine, where millions seek help.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounters with People

The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42)
Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well and revealed her past, offering her “living water.” Her encounter transformed her, and she brought many in her town to faith in Christ.
Healing the Blind Man (John 9:1-12)
Jesus healed a man born blind by making mud with saliva and anointing his eyes. The man’s faith and testimony led others to question and believe in Jesus’ power.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-10)
Jesus called Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, down from a tree and dined with him. This encounter led Zacchaeus to repent and give half his possessions to the poor.
The Centurion’s Faith (Matthew 8:5-13)
A Roman centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus marveled at his faith, saying, “I have not found such great faith even in Israel,” and healed the servant instantly.
Mary Magdalene at the Tomb (John 20:11-18)
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, calling her by name. Her encounter turned her grief into joy, and she became the first to proclaim the risen Christ.

10 Prophetic Declarations

I declare that God’s peace, which surpasses understanding, guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
I declare that the Lord is my shepherd, and I shall lack nothing; He restores my soul.
I declare that God’s angels are encamped around me, protecting me from all harm.
I declare that the Holy Spirit fills me with wisdom and guides my every step.
I declare that God’s provision meets all my needs according to His riches in glory.
I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, for God is my shield.
I declare that I am healed by the stripes of Jesus, in body, mind, and spirit.
I declare that God’s grace is sufficient for me, and His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
I declare that I walk in God’s purpose, and His plans for me are for good and not for evil.
I declare that I am a child of God, and He hears and answers my prayers.

10 Prayer Points

Pray for God’s protection over your life and loved ones, shielding you from physical and spiritual harm.
Ask for healing in body, mind, and soul, trusting in God’s restorative power.
Seek wisdom and discernment to make decisions aligned with God’s will.
Pray for provision to meet all your needs, both material and spiritual.
Ask for strength to persevere through trials and challenges.
Pray for peace that surpasses understanding to guard your heart and mind.
Seek forgiveness for sins and the grace to forgive others.
Pray for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints in times of need.
Ask for courage to face fears and act according to God’s purpose.
Pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, that they may find eternal rest.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation: Encountering Jesus Through Prayer
Take a moment to find a quiet space, free from distractions. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you. Reflect on the words of the Anima Christi: “Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me.” Picture Jesus standing before you, His eyes filled with compassion, just as He looked upon the woman at the well or Zacchaeus in the tree. Imagine Him speaking your name, offering you His peace and strength. As you meditate, ask yourself: What burdens am I carrying? What help do I need from Jesus today? Offer these to Him, trusting in His love. Visualize His wounds, a reminder of His sacrifice, and let them be your refuge. Spend a few moments in silence, listening for His gentle voice. Conclude by praying the Our Father slowly, savoring each word as a connection to God’s heart. This meditation invites you to encounter Jesus personally, finding help and hope in His presence.