Ancient Prayer that is Said Every Day in Honor of the Annunciation - The Angelus : Explained

The Annunciation honors the moment when Jesus became flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary after she accepted. Some call this a "Little Christmas," and it is celebrated on March 25; exactly 9 months before Christmas. The Angelus prayer, which commemorates this moment, was first mentioned in the 1200s by a Franciscan. This ancient prayer is now recited at 6am, 12pm and 6pm daily in honor of the Annunciation. King Louis the XI of France ordered it to be recited 3 times daily, in the year 1472. The Holy Father, recites the Angelus publicly almost every Sunday at 12pm at the Vatican.  Pope Paul VI promoted this devotion in his Apostolic Exhortation - Marialis Cultus http://w2.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19740202_marialis-cultus.html
Image: 1644 (ca) Philippe de Champaigne : Annunciation 

Here is how to pray the Angelus:
V/. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R/. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are 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
V/. Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
R/. Be it done unto me according to your Word.
Hail Mary…

V/. And the Word was made flesh,
R/. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary…

V/. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R/. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts: that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.