Catholic Morning Prayer: The Morning Offering and Lauds

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Updated November 1, 2026

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Quick answer: Two traditional Catholic morning prayers are the Morning Offering, which offers the day's prayers, works, joys and sufferings to God, and Lauds, the Morning Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours, which the Church prays each day.

The Liturgy of the Hours is the Church's daily cycle of prayer. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explains it and links to approved resources.

The Morning Offering

The Morning Offering is a traditional prayer associated with the Apostleship of Prayer (now the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network). A widely used version reads:

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all our associates, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.

What is Lauds?

Lauds, or Morning Prayer, is one of the major hours of the Liturgy of the Hours. It typically includes a hymn, psalms and a canticle, a short Scripture reading, the Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus), intercessions, the Our Father and a closing prayer.

Where to pray it

Frequently asked questions

What is the Catholic morning prayer called?

The Church's official Morning Prayer is Lauds, part of the Liturgy of the Hours. The Morning Offering is a popular private devotion.

Do Catholics have to pray Lauds?

Clergy and many religious are obliged to pray the Liturgy of the Hours; laypeople are encouraged but not required to.

Sources

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