Prayers to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, often called the forgotten member of the Trinity, is actually the most practical and accessible aspect of God. This collection of prayers to the Holy Spirit will help you develop a meaningful relationship with the Spirit of God. He is more than willing to be actively involved in your daily life.

Throughout history, believers have turned to the Holy Spirit through prayer, seeking guidance, comfort, and power. These prayers to the Holy Spirit range from ancient biblical passages to contemporary expressions of faith, all designed to help us connect with God's Spirit in a personal way.

Bible Prayers to the Holy Spirit

In the Bible, we find several prayers to the Holy Spirit, though many are implicit rather than explicit. One of the most notable is found in Acts 4:29-31, where the early Christians prayed, "Now, Lord... enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

This prayer obviously pleased God. When they had finished praying, the Spirit came on them. They were all filled with the Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness!

The Apostle Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:16 is particularly powerful: "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being." This prayer to the Holy Ghost, as He is known in the King James Bible, emphasizes the Spirit's role in strengthening believers. And who among us does not need strengthening?

Bible verses about the Holy Spirit provide excellent prayer material. Consider Romans 8:26: "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Many interpret "wordless groans" as "speaking in tongues."

This reminds me of a wonderful event that happened in Little Rock, Arkansas many years ago. 

A knock on the door brought me face-to-face with a young neighbor, a single mom who burst into my apartment with tears streaming down her face. 

"What's happening?" I asked. She continued with a heart-wrenching tale of woe that appeared beyond the control for anyone except God Almighty to solve. I listened for a short time. I knew she needed help and prayer, but I was alone in my apartment. 

"Go home. Kneel down by your bed and ask Jesus to baptize you with the Holy spirit and give you tongues," I commanded her, knowing only supernatural power from on high could help her. She followed my direction--much to my relief.

About thirty minutes later came another knock on my door. It was my same neighbor. But his time she was composed, not even tearful.

I did what you said," she spoke. "I knelt down and prayed for the Holy Spirit." Then she smiled faintly and confided, "The Holy Spirit came on me and gave me tongues."

Wow! She had a problem only God could solve. Not that her problem was solved, but that the Comforter had arrived and done what only He could do! Praise God! I was so relieved.

Famous Catholic Prayers to the Spirit

One of the most beloved prayers to the Holy Spirit comes from St. Augustine: "Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Guard me, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy."

St. John Chrysostom's prayer emphasizes the Spirit's role as life-giver: "O Holy Spirit, whose presence is liberty, grant me the freedom to be led by You. Release me from the coils of confusion and bind me to Your truth that makes me free. Grant me a clear vision that I may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless I stand for something, I shall fall for anything."

Pope Francis encourages believers to pray this simple but powerful prayer: "Holy Spirit, make my heart open to the word of God, make my heart open to goodness, make my heart open to the beauty of God every day."

Pope Francis encouraged Christians to call on the Holy Spirit more often when facing difficulties, exhaustion, or discouragement in daily life during his general audience on Wednesday.

“Let us learn to invoke the Holy Spirit often,” Pope Francis said in the Paul VI Hall on Nov. 10, 2021.

Below is the full prayer to the Holy Spirit recommended by the pope from the Compendium of the Catholic Church:

Come, Holy Spirit, come!
And from your celestial home
Shed a ray of light divine!
Come, Father of the poor!
Come, source of all our store!
Come, within our bosoms shine.
You, of comforters the best;
You, the soul’s most welcome guest;
Sweet refreshment here below;
In our labor, rest most sweet;
Grateful coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.
O most blessed Light divine,
Shine within these hearts of yours,
And our inmost being fill!
Where you are not, we have naught,
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away:
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
On the faithful, who adore
And confess you, evermore
In your sevenfold gift descend:
Give them virtue’s sure reward;
Give them your salvation, Lord;
Give them joys that never end.

Amen.

While C.S. Lewis didn't write specific prayers to the Holy Spirit, his writings often reflected deep communion with the Spirit. He emphasized practical spirituality, writing, "The real work of the Holy Spirit is to show us Christ and to form Christ in us."

Bible verses about the Holy Spirit provide excellent prayer material. Consider Romans 8:26: "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."

Is It OK to Pray to the Holy Spirit?

Some people have asked me, "Is it OK to pray to the Holy Spirit?" or "Should we just pray to Jesus or the Father and not the Holy Spirit?"

Good question. My answer is simple: "Yes, it's not only OK to pray to the Spirit, it's beyond 'good.'

Remember, the Holy Spirit is a Person. He talks, He listens, and above all, He knows you from the inside out. He knew you when you were conceived. He is able to give you a personal, customized answers just right for you and your situation. Try a prayer to Him and see how He answers!

I think I'm hearing Jesus whisper, "Go ahead and try--Don't be afraid!"

Go Ahead and Talk with the Holy Spirit--He Listens and Responds!

A practical daily prayer might be: "Hello Holy Spirit, I invite You into my day. Guide my decisions, inspire my thoughts, and empower my actions. Help me to recognize Your presence and follow Your leading."

Jesus promised to give the Holy Spirit to His people. If you are seeking God earnestly, pray this prayer: "Lord, Baptize me with the Holy Spirit and fire. I turn from all my sin and unbelief and ask you to fill me now. . . Acts 2:1ff, Luke 11:1-13. Exercise faith and begin to speak whatever comes out of your mouth. Jesus answers faith.

For those seeking wisdom, this prayer is particularly helpful: "Divine Spirit, You are the source of all wisdom. I need Your guidance today. Show me the right path and give me courage to follow it."

When feeling overwhelmed, try this prayer: "Hello Holy Spirit, You are my Comforter and Counselor. I need Your peace right now. Fill me with Your presence and calm my anxious thoughts."

For spiritual growth, pray: "Spirit of God, transform me from the inside out. Help me to grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

When seeking direction, this prayer is powerful: "Hello Holy Spirit, You are my guide. Illuminate my path and show me the way forward. Give me clarity and confidence in Your leading."

For spiritual empowerment, pray: "Spirit of the Living God, fill me with Your power. Enable me to be Your witness and to serve others with Your love and strength."

In times of decision-making: "Hello Holy Spirit, grant me wisdom and discernment. Help me to see situations as You see them and to choose according to Your will."

Whatever you need, ask Him!

Holy Spirit is Here to Help.

For spiritual awakening: "Divine Spirit, awaken my heart to Your presence. Open my spiritual eyes to see You at work in my life and in the world around me."

When seeking breakthrough: "Hello Holy Spirit, break through every barrier that prevents me from experiencing Your fullness. Release Your power in my life."

For daily empowerment: "Spirit of God, empower me to live this day in a way that honors You. Fill me with Your presence and guide my steps."

When seeking the gift of tongues: "Holy Spirit, I open myself to all Your gifts. Release in me the ability to pray in tongues according to Your will." Use faith. . . tongues is the evidence of the Spirit.

For spiritual sensitivity: "Divine Spirit, heighten my awareness of Your presence. Help me to recognize Your voice and respond to Your promptings."

When seeking revival: "Hello Holy Spirit, revive my heart and renew my mind. Let Your fire burn within me and transform me completely."

For divine partnership: "Spirit of God, I acknowledge my dependence on You. Partner with me in everything I do today."

When seeking healing: "Hello Holy Spirit, You are the Spirit of life and healing. Flow through my body, soul, and spirit with Your healing power."

For spiritual boldness: "Divine Spirit, fill me with holy boldness. Enable me to speak Your truth with love and confidence."

Remember that these prayers to the Holy Spirit are just starting points. The Holy Spirit is incredibly practical and wants to be involved in every aspect of your life-- from major decisions to daily tasks.

As you begin incorporating these prayers into your daily life, expect to experience the wonder and awe of God's presence in new ways. The Holy Spirit is not distant or theoretical but deeply practical and personal, ready to empower you for living and minister to your every need.