The Memorare: A Prayer That Never Fails
There are moments when we do not know how to pray — when the worry is too large, the words too few. For centuries, Christians have reached, in exactly those moments, for a short and trusting prayer to Our Lady called the Memorare.
The words
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.
Why it is loved
The Memorare — the name is simply its first word, "Remember" — is bold. It reminds Mary, almost daringly, that no one who ever turned to her was turned away. It is the prayer of a child running to a mother, certain of being received.
It is short enough to learn by heart, and that is the point: it is meant to be carried in the memory, ready for the moment you need it — in a hospital corridor, a sleepless night, a hard conversation.
When to pray it
Pray it when you are afraid. Pray it for someone you love. Pray it when you have run out of your own words. Many pray it as part of a novena — the same Memorare, nine days running.
Holding a rosary you love as you pray can steady the heart and help the words come.
✣ Browse our handmade rosaries. Each one is knotted and blessed by hand, then shipped with care across India and around the world. See the collection →
Learn it by heart this week. One day, in a moment you cannot foresee, you will be grateful it is already there.