Prayer to the Holy Spirit by St. Augustine

The Prayer to the Holy Spirit attributed to St. Augustine is a short but powerful way to invite the Holy Spirit into our daily lives. It reminds us that God is active and present, and that we need His guidance to live a holy life. This prayer speaks to the daily call to holiness, which every Christian is invited to embrace.

Each line of the prayer focuses on action. We ask the Holy Spirit to breathe, act, draw, strengthen, and guard us. These actions help us to open ourselves to God’s will. They also show how holiness involves both God’s grace and our cooperation with it. Through this prayer, we recognize that holiness is not just about what we do, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us.

Pope Francis emphasized this call to holiness in Gaudete et Exsultate. He reminded us that holiness is possible in everyday life, through small acts of love and faithfulness. This prayer is a simple way to align our thoughts, actions, and hearts with the work of the Holy Spirit.

For confirmation candidates and for all Christians, this prayer is a helpful reminder. It helps us trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we face challenges, make decisions, and grow in faith. It is a call to give the Holy Spirit permission to lead us toward holiness, step by step.

This Prayer to the Holy Spirit is often linked to St. Augustine, one of the greatest teachers of the faith. While there is no direct evidence that he wrote it, the words reflect his deep trust in the Holy Spirit. St. Augustine often spoke about the need for God’s grace to guide our thoughts, actions, and desires. This prayer follows that same idea.

The format of the Prayer to the Holy Spirit is simple and easy to remember. It has five short sentences, each beginning with a verb: breathe, act, draw, strengthen, and guard. These verbs show the active role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Each sentence also ends with a focus on holiness, reminding us of the goal of Christian life.

The prayer has been used by Christians for many years. It is valued for its simplicity and focus on daily reliance on the Holy Spirit. Because it is so short, it can be prayed anytime—at the start of the day, during quiet moments, or whenever we need strength.

Its structure makes it a good teaching tool. It reminds us to ask the Holy Spirit to work in every part of our lives: our thoughts, actions, desires, strength, and protection. Each line is a step on the path to becoming more holy.

This Prayer to the Holy Spirit reflects key themes from Scripture and Catholic catechesis. It calls on the Holy Spirit, who is central to the Bible and to our faith. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His disciples, saying, “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything” (John 14:26). The prayer echoes this promise by asking the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions toward holiness.

The Prayer to the Holy Spirit also ties into the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are taught in Catholic catechesis. These gifts—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—help us live as faithful Christians. When we pray for the Spirit to breathe in us and strengthen us, we are asking for these gifts to take root in our lives.

In youth ministry, this prayer is a great tool for helping young people grow in faith. It reminds them that God is with them and wants to help them make good choices. The simplicity of the prayer makes it easy to use in group settings, retreats, or personal reflection. It can help youth see that holiness is possible in their everyday lives.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “The Holy Spirit, the artisan of God’s works, is the master of prayer.” (CCC 741). This prayer helps young people rely on the Spirit to lead them closer to God. It is a practical way to teach the importance of prayer and the role of the Holy Spirit in their journey of faith.

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 love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
Amen.

Litany of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Litany of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit is a prayer asking for the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. It is written as a litany, with a leader offering a prompt and others giving a response. This format makes it easy to pray in a group, but it can also be used for personal prayer. The litany helps us reflect on the importance of these gifts in living a faithful and holy life. It is a way to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength every day.

I Am With You – A Lesson Plan on the Holy Spirit

The I Am With You lesson plan focuses on how the Holy Spirit helps us remember and live out the teachings of Jesus. It helps youth understand that the Holy Spirit is always with them, offering guidance, strength, and comfort. The lesson includes activities and discussions to show how the Spirit works in their lives and in the world. Through Scripture and reflection, youth will learn to trust the Holy Spirit and rely on His help in their daily decisions. This lesson plan encourages them to grow in faith and live as followers of Jesus in their actions and choices.

The Holy Spirit Is Like the Wind (Kite Activity)

The Holy Spirit Is Like the Wind kite activity helps children understand how the Holy Spirit works. Just like we cannot see the wind, we cannot see the Holy Spirit. But we can see what the wind does—it moves things, lifts kites, and cools us. In the same way, we see the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives through love, kindness, and the good choices we make. This activity uses kites to show how the Spirit “moves” us to do what is right and helps us follow Jesus. It’s a fun, hands-on way to teach children about the Holy Spirit.

More Catholic Prayers

If you want to explore more prayers, visit the Catholic Prayers page on our site. This page has a variety of prayers for many situations and needs. The Prayer to the Holy Spirit is one of the prayers you will find there. Whether you are looking for prayers to start your day, seek guidance, or grow closer to God, this resource has something for you. Spend time exploring the page to discover prayers that can strengthen your faith and help you in your daily life. It’s a great way to grow in prayer.

Who wrote the Prayer to the Holy Spirit?

The Prayer to the Holy Spirit is often attributed to St. Augustine. While we cannot be sure he wrote it, the prayer reflects his teachings about holiness and the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives.

What is the purpose of the Prayer to the Holy Spirit?

This prayer asks the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, actions, and hearts toward holiness. It helps us rely on God’s help in everything we do.

How can I use the Prayer to the Holy Spirit in my daily life?

You can pray it at the start of your day, before making important decisions, or anytime you want to invite the Holy Spirit to work in your life.

Why is the Prayer to the Holy Spirit good for confirmation candidates?

This prayer is a reminder of the Holy Spirit’s gifts and guidance. It helps candidates focus on growing in faith and holiness, which is an important part of Confirmation.

The Prayer to the Holy Spirit is a short, powerful way to invite the Holy Spirit into our lives. It asks the Spirit to guide our thoughts, actions, and desires toward holiness. By praying it, we remember that God is always present and active in our journey of faith.

Each line of the prayer focuses on an action: breathe, act, draw, strengthen, and guard. These requests help us open our lives to God’s work. The prayer is simple enough to memorize and use daily. It shows that holiness is not just a goal but a partnership with the Holy Spirit.

This prayer is useful for people of all ages. It is especially helpful for those preparing for Confirmation, as it reflects the gifts and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It can also inspire anyone seeking strength, clarity, and a deeper connection with God.

Have you prayed the Prayer to the Holy Spirit? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below! Let us know how this prayer has helped you in your daily life or brought you closer to God.

If this is your first time reading it, give it a try and tell us what stood out to you. Your comments can inspire others to include this prayer in their own faith journey. We’d love to hear how the Holy Spirit is working in your life through prayer!