Prayer to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity, God's life-giving presence who guides and consoles. Invoking the Spirit does not mean waiting for an extraordinary sign before every choice. It means asking for a heart ready to recognize truth, act with love, and persevere in what is good.
You can pray before beginning the day, studying, working, reading Scripture, entering a difficult conversation, or making an important decision.
Come, Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, who taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the same Spirit we may know what is right and always rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for light and courage
Holy Spirit, come into my life and dwell within my heart. Enlighten my thoughts so that I may distinguish truth from deception and what matters from what merely feels urgent.
Give me wisdom to decide, courage to fulfill my responsibilities, and patience to listen. Purify my motives, correct my pride, and help me treat every person with respect and mercy.
When I am afraid, remind me that God does not abandon me. When I make a mistake, give me humility to admit it and repair the harm. When no answer seems clear, teach me to wait, seek counsel, and act prudently.
Guide my words, work, and relationships today. May my decisions produce peace, justice, and service. Amen.
Discerning after prayer
Remain silent for a few minutes, examine the facts, and test your decision against the Gospel. Prayer does not replace medical, legal, financial, or pastoral advice when it is needed. The Spirit can also guide through reason, community, and competent people.