Prayer to the Holy Spirit: Come, Holy Spirit
The traditional prayer to the Holy Spirit, "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful", with a short version, its meaning, and when to pray it.
Come, Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray. O God, Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Traditional Catholic prayer to the Holy Spirit, prayed especially at Pentecost; also published by the USCCB.
A Personal Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, Lord and giver of life, come into my day. I open my heart to You, and I ask You to fill the places I have kept closed.
Teach me what I do not know, and gently show me what I need to see. Where I am anxious, give me peace. Where I am divided, give me unity. Where I am tired, renew me.
Guide the decisions in front of me, and help me hear Your voice above my own noise. Give me the courage to do what is right and the patience to wait on You.
Make me kind in my words and faithful in small things. Let my life show that You are at work in me. Amen.
Short Version
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Amen.
Before Making a Decision
Holy Spirit, give me Your light. I do not see the way clearly, and I do not want to rush. Quiet my fears, steady my judgment, and lead me to what is good in Your sight. Whatever I choose, let me choose it with You. Amen.
Before Prayer or Study
Come, Holy Spirit, and open my mind. Help me listen with a humble heart, to remember what is true, and to keep what I learn for the good of others. Amen.
Meaning and When to Pray It
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Spirit whom Jesus promised to send after he returned to the Father. The Church teaches that the Spirit came upon the apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2), and Catholics ask for his help in every part of life.
The first lines of this prayer ask the Spirit to fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle the fire of love in them. The versicle and response, "Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created," echo Psalm 104:30 and ask God to renew the world. The closing prayer asks for true wisdom and for joy in the Spirit's consolation.
The Church speaks of seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. You can pray this prayer asking for any of them.
When to pray it: at Pentecost, before Mass, at confirmation, before an exam or an important decision, at the start of the day, or before reading Scripture. It is short enough to say whenever you need to stop and ask for help.
Scripture to Pray With
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:26 (KJV)
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26 (KJV)
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13 (KJV)
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Luke 11:13 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prayer to the Holy Spirit?
The best-known form begins "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love," followed by a versicle, a response and a closing prayer.
When should you pray to the Holy Spirit?
Catholics pray it especially at Pentecost, but also before Mass, before study, before decisions, and at the start of the day.
What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
The Church names seven: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
Is there a short prayer to the Holy Spirit?
Yes. Many people pray only the first line: "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love."
Last updated 2026-10-18