Stepping into the stream of early Christian worship, this 4th century prayer to the holy spirit connects our modern hearts directly to the enduring faith of the Church Fathers. For over sixteen hundred years, the faithful have turned to this profound ancient prayer to the holy spirit to invoke the divine fire of the Comforter—begging Him to illuminate our intellects, grant us supernatural wisdom, and fill our souls with His eternal consolations.
Entering Into the Ancient 4th Century Prayer to the Holy Spirit
This 4th century prayer to the Holy Spirit is used in the Liturgy of the Hours, a communal prayer of the Catholic Church, also known as the Divine Office. These prayers are recited at set times, throughout the structured hours of every day, by priests and religious who are obligated to pray them. The Liturgy of the Hours is focused on psalms, Scripture readings, hymns, and other prayers. This 4th century prayer to the Holy Spirit emphasizes the third person of the Trinity’s role in guiding and enlightening Christians in the gift of wisdom.
When you pray the Liturgy of the Hours you will see this prayer being frequently used as a component of various other prayers; it is not a specific part of the Liturgy of the Hours that is said or sung daily, rather it is used in different contexts and intentions within the Liturgy. This 4th century prayer to the Holy Spirit is mostly heard as a part of the prayers offered to the Holy Spirit in the Liturgy of the Hours, and can be found in various collect prayers that are also recited daily.
4th Century Prayer to the Holy Spirit
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy his consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. AMEN.
You may also be interested in praying Veni Creator Spiritus, or Come, Holy Spirit. This prayer is a sung hymn in the Liturgy of the Hours during Pentecost. Veni Creator Spiritus is an invocation to the Holy Spirit, that asks for guidance and grace.
Continuing in the Grace: Prayers, Meditations and Catechesis on the Holy Spirit
To sit with an ancient prayer to the holy spirit is to open a lifelong dialogue with the Divine Advocate. As you leave this sacred 4th century prayer to the Holy Spirit, we invite you to continue your spiritual journey below. Explore our curated collection of prayers, meditations, and catechesis about the Holy Spirit—each designed to help you recognize His gentle promptings, cultivate His seven holy gifts, and live daily under the shadow of His wings.
