For a more modern version of the Hail Mary: replace “Thee” with “You”; “art Thou” with “are You”; and “thy” with “your”. [2] X Research source If you would like to honor tradition, feel free to keep saying the “Thees” and “Thous”, but consider that the classic version is itself an archaic translation from Latin. Ask yourself which is more important: the specific words, or the meaning behind them.
Say the following words before the first Hail Mary: Oh, Immaculate Mary, Virgin most Powerful, I beseech you, through that immense Power which you have received from the Eternal Father, obtain for me purity of heart; strength to overcome all the enemies of my soul; and the special favor I implore in my present necessity. (Name the favor). Mother most pure! Forsake me not, despise not my prayer, graciously hear me for God’s glory, your honor, and the welfare of my soul. To obtain this favor I honor your Power by reciting: (say the Hail Mary). Say these words to frame the second Hail Mary: Oh Virgin Mary, My Mother, through that ineffable Wisdom bestowed upon you by the Incarnate Word of God, I humbly beseech you, obtain for me meekness and humility of heart; a perfect knowledge of the divine will; and strength to accomplish it always. Oh Mary, Seat of Wisdom; as a tender Mother, lead me in the path of Christian virtue and perfection; enlighten and enable me to do what is most pleasing to your beloved Son; and obtain my petition. To obtain this grace I honor your Wisdom by reciting: (say the Hail Mary). Repeat this phrase to preface the third Hail Mary: Oh, Mother of Mercy, Mother of penitent sinners, I stand before you sinful and sorrowful, beseeching you through the immense love given to you by the Holy Spirit for us poor sinners, obtain for me true and perfect contrition for my sins, which I hate and detest with all my heart, because I love God. Mother most merciful, help me in my present necessity. Turn then those eyes of mercy toward us, oh clement, oh loving, oh sweet Virgin Mary! To obtain this precious gift, I honor Your loving mercy by reciting: (say the Hail Mary).
If you kneel, put your knees on a prayer bench, on a pillow, or directly on the floor. If you stand, try to keep your legs straight, in a solid stance. Either way, try not to focus on your legs – focus on the words and the intention behind them.
Some Protestant denominations, such as Lutherans, also make use of a form of the prayer.
The first passage (Luke 1:28) is the Angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary. He said these words when he came to inform her that she had been chosen to bear the Messiah. The second passage (Luke 1:42) cites the greeting that Mary’s cousin Elizabeth gave her when Mary came to visit. Elizabeth was also pregnant at the time – with John the Baptist. [4] X Research source The third passage (justified by 1 Timothy 2:1-5) is in agreement with St. Paul’s request for us to pray for and with each other.
