Catholic Activities: Prayer Commitments / Prayer Counters

Attention Children: Do not use this site without careful parental supervision.

What is the purpose of Prayer Counters? 

The purpose of Prayer Counters is to help users pray more. 

How do I use Prayer Counters? 

Simply decide on an intention and choose an amount of prayers you will commit to (Prayer Counters range from 100-5000 prayers in the specified increments). Then, print the appropriate Prayer Counter and follow the instructions on the page. Keep the printout handy to remind you to complete your prayer commitment.

What Prayer Counters are available? 

The following Prayer Counters are available:

Note: .PDF Versions Require Adobe Acrobat

General Prayer Commitments: 

100 | 200 | 365 | 500 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 3,000 | 4,000 | 5,000 

Other Prayer Commitments: 

For the Unborn (Qty. 4,400)

Each number represents a child killed daily in the U.S. by abortion. (Quantity is approximate. Source: PFL, 9/01)

For the Bishops of the U.S. (Qty. 285)

Each number represents an active bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. (Quantity is approximate. Source: USCCB, 6/05)

For the Dioceses of the U.S. (Qty. 200) 

Each number represents a diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. (Quantity is approximate. Source: USCCB, 6/05)

For the Households in Each Parish (Qty. 1,275)

Each number represents a household in the average Catholic parish in the U.S. (Quantity is approximate. Source: USCCB, 6/05)

How to print Prayer Counters 

To print Prayer Counters:

1. Click on desired Prayer Counter above (all .pdf versions require Adobe Acrobat)

2. Set print margin to .25" all directions (as necessary)

3. Remove all headers/footers (as necessary)

4. Set printer to landscape mode (as necessary)

5. Adjust print / printer settings as necessary & print

Note: As the quantity of prayers increases, the Prayer Counter numbers naturally become harder to read. For easier readability, you may print the Prayer Counter and enlarge it (e.g. at a copy store or office supply store, on larger size paper).

Suggestions for Use 

Prayer Counters are great for praying for:

* Ancestors (living and deceased)

* Groups of people known to you personally

* Groups of people unknown to you personally

* Causes that are important to you

* Forgotten persons

* Souls in purgatory

* Conversions

* Poor sinners

* The elderly

* Children

* The sick

* The dying

* Students 

* Teachers

* Priests or religious

* Prisoners

* The poor

* Victims of disasters 

* Crime victims

* Patients in hospitals or nursing homes

* Citizens of your own country or of other countries 

* Those who risk their lives to help others (military, police, fire fighters, etc.) 

* Catholic organizations and charities

* This website. :-)

* And many others...

Note that the 100, 200, and 500 level counters may be excellent for children, and the 365 level counter may be used to pray for each day of the year. Also, special counters may be available for specific intentions (e.g. for the unborn). Feel free to combine counters to get to any desired prayer quantity (e.g. three 100's = 300). 

Also feel free to use Prayer Counters for a single individual or intention - or for many individuals or intentions [e.g. a 500 Prayer Counter can be used for 500 persons (1 prayer for each person) or for one person (500 prayers for one person)].

Prayers can range from one word aspirations to more lengthy prayers, at your option.

Completed Prayer Commitments also make thoughtful gifts for the living and the dead. (Note that it is not necessary to notify the recipient of your gift.)

Do's and Don'ts 

Do's:

* Once you commit to a certain prayer commitment, you should finish it. If it is too large for you, try a smaller one.

* Use Rosary beads to help you count.

* Keep your Prayer Counter handy to serve as a reminder to pray.

* If possible, pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

* Ask God to apply your prayers for your specific intention(s).

Dont's:

* Don't brag about your prayer commitment, no matter how large it may be.

* Don't rush your prayers. Instead, spread your prayers out over time.

* Don't pray methodically.