Written by St. Augustine, this poetic prayer fills the soul with God’s presence.It is not always easy finding the right words to pray. On certain days we may be feeling particularly “uninspired” and no words come to mind to express ourselves.
When confronted with such a listless spirit, one powerful cure is to pray to the Holy Spirit. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “[Prayer] is the action of God and of man, springing forth from both the Holy Spirit and ourselves, wholly directed to the Father, in union with the human will of the Son of God made man” (CCC 2564).
One beautiful and ancient prayer to the Holy Spirit was composed by St. Augustine, a holy bishop who lived in the 4th century. He had a particular way with words, and his prayer to the Holy Spirit is one that can lift up an uninspired soul to God.
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.
Looking for more prayers? Check out our page of “Prayers for a Particular Need.”
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Pray a novena to the Holy Spirit and kindle a fire within
