Scripture and the Church joined in one petition to the Mother of God.
The first half is drawn word for word from Saint Luke, the second half is the Church asking Mary to stand with us at the two moments that matter, now and at our death.
When: Any moment of the day. It is the building block of the Rosary, the Angelus, and countless devotions.
Why: It teaches the shape of all Christian prayer: greet God's work in a person, then ask for help. Praying it often keeps the Incarnation close to ordinary hours.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.