Prayers to the Holy Spirit for Guidance and Strength
The Holy Spirit is God with us now: the Comforter Jesus promised, who teaches, guides and gives life. Christians call on the Spirit before important decisions, at Confirmation and at Pentecost, and on ordinary days when they need strength or do not know how to pray. This section of our Christian Prayer Library gathers prayers to the Holy Spirit, including traditional Catholic and Orthodox prayers.
Say them slowly, and leave room for silence.
Christian Prayers to the Holy Spirit
A Short Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, breath of God, come to me today. Where I am tired, give me life. Where I am confused, teach me. Where I am afraid, give me courage. Remind me of everything Jesus has said, and help me live by it, one hour at a time. Amen.
Scripture reference:
John 14:26 — “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
A Very Short Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me, guide me and stay with me today. Amen.
Scripture reference:
John 20:22 — “When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”
Come, Holy Spirit: A Traditional Catholic Prayer
This prayer for guidance is used in the Catholic Church and by some Anglicans and Lutherans. Its middle lines come from Psalm 104. The English here is a new translation from the Latin made for this page.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Leader: Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
All: And you shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray. O God, who taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that in the same Spirit we may know what is right and always rejoice in his comfort. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture reference:
Psalm 104:30 — “When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth.”
O Heavenly King: An Orthodox Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Orthodox Christians say this prayer at the beginning of many church services and daily prayers. The English here is a new translation from the Greek made for this page.
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, present everywhere and filling all things, treasury of good things and giver of life: come and dwell in us, cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O Good One.
Scripture reference:
John 15:26 — “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me.”
Prayer to the Holy Spirit for Guidance
Spirit of truth, I have a decision to make, and I cannot see the way clearly. Quiet the voices of fear, pride and hurry in me. Show me what is right, through Scripture, through wise friends and through the peace you give. Then give me the courage to choose it, and to trust you with what I cannot know. Amen.
Scripture reference:
John 16:13 — “However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
Prayer When You Do Not Know How to Pray
Holy Spirit, I do not know what to say. My heart is too full, or too tired, or too empty. Pray in me and for me. Take the sighs I cannot put into words and carry them to the Father. Stay with me in the silence. Amen.
Scripture reference:
Romans 8:26 — “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.”
Prayer for the Fruit of the Spirit
Holy Spirit, grow your fruit in me. Where I am impatient, teach me patience. Where I am harsh, make me kind. Where I am anxious, give me your peace. Let love, joy and self-control take root in the ordinary moments of my day, so that others can see your work in me. Amen.
Scripture reference:
Galatians 5:22–23 — “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Prayer for Someone Being Confirmed
Holy Spirit, come upon [Name] as they are confirmed. Give them wisdom and understanding, counsel and strength, knowledge and reverence for God. Make their faith their own. Keep them close to Christ when life is easy and when it is hard, and help them find their place in your Church. Amen.
Scripture reference:
Isaiah 11:2 — “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.”
Prayer for Courage to Share Your Faith
Holy Spirit, you filled the frightened disciples with courage and sent them out into the world. I am often afraid to speak about my faith. Give me gentle courage: the right words at the right time, and a life that speaks even when I am silent. Make me a witness to Jesus where I live and work. Amen.
Scripture reference:
Acts 1:8 — “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The Come, Holy Spirit and O Heavenly King prayers are newly translated for this page; all other prayers are original prayers written for the Piece of Holy Land Christian Prayer Library. Where you see [Name], use the name of the person you are praying for. Scripture quotations are taken from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which is in the public domain.
