Whatever you think of costumes and candy, the night itself points somewhere good: toward the saints, and toward the hope that death does not have the last word.
Historical Context
All Saints’ Day has been kept on 1 November in Rome since the eighth century. The night before became a vigil, and over centuries, especially in Ireland and Scotland, it collected its own folk customs. Many Catholic families now mix both: costumes and candy on the 31st, and Mass for All Saints on the 1st.
A Happy Halloween Prayer
Lord, tonight is All Hallows’ Eve.
Thank you for the saints in heaven who cheer us on.
Bless the children out in costumes tonight;
keep them safe on the streets and happy at every door.
Bless the neighbours who open their doors to them.
And let this night of fun remind us
that in Christ, darkness and death don’t win.
Amen.
For Safety on Halloween Night
Lord, watch over every child trick-or-treating tonight.
Make drivers careful and streets safe.
Keep my children within sight and bring them home with full bags and no harm.
Amen.
A Prayer at the Front Door
Lord, bless every child who knocks tonight.
Let them feel welcome here.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- Before heading out to trick-or-treat.
- At a church trunk-or-treat or harvest party.
- When answering the door to children.
- As a family before bed, looking ahead to All Saints’ Day.
Scripture Connection
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight… and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” — Hebrews 12:1
Halloween is the eve of the feast of that “cloud of witnesses.” The saints are not spooky; they are family who finished the race and are cheering for us.
Related prayers
See also the Catholic Halloween Prayer and the Halloween Prayer. For protection, the Saint Michael Prayer.