Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love
Three short prayers professing the three theological virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13) — traditionally prayed together, often before bed or after Communion.
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Three Prayers, Three Virtues
Faith, hope, and love (charity) are the three "theological virtues" — gifts that orient a person directly toward God rather than being acquired by habit alone (CCC 1812-1829). St. Paul names all three together in 1 Corinthians 13:13: "So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." These three short prayers, traditionally grouped, put that same triad into daily words. They were staples of the Baltimore Catechism generations of American Catholics learned by heart, and remain in the USCCB's current basic-prayers collection.
Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that your Divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because you have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.
Act of Hope
O Lord God, I hope by your grace for the pardon of all my sins and after life here to gain eternal happiness because you have promised it, who are infinitely powerful, faithful, kind, and merciful. In this hope I intend to live and die. Amen.
Act of Love
O Lord God, I love you above all things and I love my neighbor for your sake because you are the highest, infinite, and perfect good, worthy of all my love. In this love I intend to live and die. Amen.
Helper
- Many parishes and families pray these three together, either right after morning prayer or at night before bed.
- Notice the shared closing move in Hope and Love — "in this... I intend to live and die" — each virtue is presented as a stance for an entire life, not a passing feeling.
- These pair naturally with an Act of Contrition, giving four short "Acts" that together touch belief, trust, love, and sorrow for sin.
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