In centuries past, laborers in the fields would stop their work three times a day — morning (6 AM), noon, and evening (6 PM) — when the church bells rang. They would bow their heads and pray the Angelus.
In our frenetic modern world, pausing three times a day to remember God is deeply counter-cultural. It is a "reset button" for the soul. It reminds us that work is not our god; the Incarnation is the center of history.
"The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary..."
The Angelus Prayer Text
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. (Genuflect or bow) 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.
During Easter: The Regina Caeli
From Easter Sunday until Pentecost, the Angelus is replaced by the joy-filled Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven):
V. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. R. For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia. V. Has risen, as he said, alleluia. R. Pray for us to God, alleluia. ...
Why Pray It?
- It sanctifies the day: It frames your morning, breaks up your midday stress, and closes your workday with God.
- It honors the Incarnation: We bow at "And the Word was made flesh" to honor the moment God became the embryo Jesus. It is the most pro-life prayer we have.
- It builds discipline: Stopping what you are doing — answering an email, eating lunch, driving — takes humility. It says, "God is more important than my schedule."
How to Start
Set an alarm on your phone for 12:00 PM (Noon). Start with just that one. When the alarm goes off, stop. Pray. Then continue your day. It takes less than 2 minutes.
Join the global chorus of prayer. Set your Angelus reminders in the MyPrayerTower app and pause with the universal Church.