Internet Prayer for Youth

Many young people today spend a lot of time online. The internet can be a place for learning, fun, and connection. But it can also lead us to things that are harmful or distracting. As Catholics, we are called to use our time and our choices to honor God, even when we’re using the internet.

This simple prayer asks God to help us use the internet wisely. It reminds us that our eyes, hands, and minds should stay focused on what is good. It’s easy to forget this when we’re scrolling or clicking without thinking. The prayer invites us to pause and ask for help before we go online.

Saint Isidore of Seville is the patron saint of the internet. He lived long before the internet was created, but he worked hard to gather and share knowledge. Today, he helps remind us that we should use our online time for good and for truth. His intercession is a way to ask for guidance and support.

This prayer is especially helpful for teens and young adults. It doesn’t take long to say, but it can help you think twice before you open a new page or app. It can help you make better choices and use your time online in a way that honors Jesus.

Saint Isidore of Seville lived in the 6th and 7th centuries. He was a bishop and a very smart man who loved learning. He wrote a huge book that gathered much of the knowledge of his time. Because of this, the Church named him the patron saint of the internet. He reminds us that technology and faith can work together when used the right way.

The Internet Prayer is short and easy to remember. It begins by calling on God and asking for Saint Isidore’s help. Then it asks for three simple things: that our eyes, hands, and minds stay focused on what is good. These three parts match how we often use the internet—by looking, clicking, and thinking.

Each line of the prayer speaks to one part of our online actions. We ask that our eyes only see what is pleasing to God. We ask that our hands guide us to what gives glory to Him. And we ask that our minds think about things that bring us closer to Him. It is a simple but strong way to ask for help.

The prayer ends in the name of Jesus, just like many other Catholic prayers. It reminds us that we do not walk alone. Even in digital spaces, Jesus is with us. And we can invite Him into everything—even our time online.

This prayer fits well with many Bible themes. Psalm 101 says, “I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is base.” This reminds us to be careful about what we look at. The internet gives us many choices. Some are helpful. Others are harmful. This prayer asks God to help us choose what is good.

Catholic teaching tells us that our minds and hearts should stay close to God. The Catechism says, “The virtue of chastity blossoms in friendship… it leads to spiritual communion” (CCC 2347). That includes our online friendships and the things we choose to view or share. This prayer helps young people grow in self-control and think about how they live, even in digital spaces.

In youth ministry, this prayer can be a helpful tool. It can be used before tech time, during retreats, or at the start of a lesson. It helps teens think about faith in daily life. It also opens up honest conversations about online habits, temptations, and making better choices.

The prayer encourages a habit of turning to God before going online. That small act can make a big difference. It shows that faith is not just for Mass or prayer time. Faith is part of everything—including what we click, watch, and share.

Almighty and eternal God,
through the intercession of Saint Isidore,
as I use the internet
let my eyes see only what is pleasing to you,
let my hands guide me to only that which glorifies you,
let my mind think of only that which draws me closer to you.
I ask this in the name of your beloved Son,  our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

More Catholic Prayers

The Internet Prayer is just one of the many prayers you can find on our Catholic Prayers page. If you’re looking for simple ways to grow closer to God, this is a great place to start. The page has prayers for different times of day, special seasons, and everyday needs.

Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or a leader, you’ll find prayers that fit your life. You can use them at home, in class, or during youth group. Visit our Catholic Prayers page to explore and find the right words to talk to God.

What is the Internet Prayer?

The Internet Prayer is a short Catholic prayer. It asks God to guide what we see, do, and think about online. It also asks for help from Saint Isidore, the patron saint of the internet.

Who should say the Internet Prayer?

Anyone can say it, but it’s especially helpful for teens, students, and people who use the internet often. Youth ministers, teachers, and parents can also use it with young people.

When should I say the Internet Prayer?

You can say it before using your phone, tablet, or computer. It’s a good habit to pray it at the start of your day or before schoolwork or free time online.

Why do we ask for Saint Isidore’s help?

Saint Isidore loved learning and sharing knowledge. The Church chose him as the patron saint of the internet. We ask for his help to use the internet in a way that pleases God.

How can I use this in youth ministry?

The Internet Prayer can be part of a group prayer, retreat, or tech lesson. It helps teens think about their online choices. It also starts good talks about using the internet with faith and care.

Can I change the words to make it more personal?

Yes. You can make small changes if it helps you pray better. Just keep the main message—asking God to guide your eyes, hands, and mind online.

The Internet Prayer is a short and simple prayer that helps us use the internet in a good way. It asks God to guide our eyes, hands, and minds so we choose what is right. It reminds us to stay close to God, even when we’re online. This is important for young people who spend a lot of time on phones and computers.

The prayer also calls on Saint Isidore, the patron saint of the internet. He cared deeply about learning and sharing knowledge. Asking for his help reminds us that the internet can be used for good. With his example, we can learn how to stay focused and avoid things that are not pleasing to God.

This prayer is great for youth ministry. It can be said before starting online schoolwork or using social media. It also helps start honest talks about online habits and temptations. It’s a good way to keep faith part of everyday life.

Saying this prayer can help us stop and think before we go online. It only takes a moment, but it can change how we use our time and make choices. It shows that prayer is not just for church, but for all parts of life—including our screens.

Have you tried the Internet Prayer? Take a moment before your next scroll or video to pray it. See how it changes your focus and helps you think about what really matters. It’s a small habit with a big impact.

We’d love to hear how the Internet Prayer has helped you. Share your experience or your favorite line from the prayer in the comment section. Your words may help someone else grow in faith too.