Christian prayers have existed for centuries. Some of them have even been around since the time of the Primitive Church! Originally, these prayers were recited in Latin. Christians around the world still use the Latin version of some prayers today. Many parishes celebrate the Traditional Mass in Latin. The Eucharistic Prayer is also chanted in Latin in monasteries during communal prayer; Gregorian chants are based on the Eucharistic Prayer.
Discover these beautiful Latin Christian prayers, from the Pater Noster to the Ave Maria, the Kyrie to Agnus Dei, the Confiteor to the Anima Christi, and the Credo to the Veni Creator!
Before prayer, Catholics and Orthodox make the sign of the cross while saying: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” In Latin, we say:
“In Nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen”.
Discover here five Christian prayers in their Latin version:
Pater Noster (The Lord’s Prayer)
Credo (The Apostles’ Creed)
Gloria Patri (Glory Be to The Lord)
You can pray to Mary, the Mother of God by reciting these beautiful prayers in Latin:
Ave Maria (Hail Mary)
Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen)
Magnificat (The Song of Mary)
Certain prayers are recited at every Mass celebration (like the Eucharistic prayer) or during other celebrations, depending on the liturgical event. Although these prayers are generally recited in the vernacular today, they were originally sung (for Gregorian Mass); we still refer to them by their Latin name:
There are many traditional Christian prayers, canticle, and hymns in Latin that you can discover:
Latin prayers are sometimes recited at funerals: they can bring solemnity to remembrance ceremonies, as is the case with the psalm De Profundis - “Out of the depths” is a beautiful prayer for the dead, that expresses sorrow.
Requiem Æternam is another short Latin prayer for the dead:
“Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen.”
It means: “Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”