The Memorare: A Prayer of Trust When Anxiety Weighs on Us

A prayer for anxious hearts

Some worries follow us everywhere: an unanswered message, an unexpected bill, a conversation we keep replaying. When our thoughts will not settle, a familiar prayer can help us turn towards God.

The Memorare invites us to seek the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Catholics do not worship Mary or place her above God. We ask her to pray for us, trusting that her maternal care always leads us towards her Son.

Where the Memorare comes from

Its name comes from the Latin word for “remember”, the prayer’s opening word. The Memorare developed from a longer medieval Marian prayer. Although often attributed to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, it is not securely established as his work.

A different Bernard helped spread devotion to it: Father Claude Bernard, a French priest who lived in the seventeenth century and ministered to people in poverty and to prisoners.

Its confident language is not a promise that every request will be answered exactly as we wish. It expresses trust in Mary’s intercession and in God’s mercy, even when the way ahead remains unclear.

Pray with me: one minute for anxiety

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.

Lord Jesus, you know the worries I cannot put into words. Through Mary’s prayers, help me entrust this day to you. Give me courage for the next small task, patience with what I cannot change, and freedom to ask for help. When anxious thoughts return, remind me that I do not face them alone. Bless those who care for me, and guide me towards the support I need. Keep me close to you, even when peace feels far away. Amen.

When to pray it

You can pray the Memorare before a difficult appointment, during a sleepless night, or whenever you need help placing a concern before God. There is no required time or special setting.

Prayer can accompany practical care, including professional support when anxiety persists or disrupts daily life. Seeking help is not a failure of faith.

You do not need perfect calm to begin praying. Come as you are.