The “Breathe into me Holy Spirit” prayer was written by St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430). It’s a short prayer that can easily be memorized and recited daily as a way to invite the Holy Spirit to be active in your life.
We invoke the Holy Spirit when we pray because, as St. Paul teaches us in Romans 8:2-27:
“The Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.”
Let Us Pray:
Breathe into Me Holy Spirit
a prayer by St. Augustine of Hippo
Breathe into Me Holy Spirit, that all my thoughts may be holy.
Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.
Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
I ask all this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
AMEN.
Thank you for praying this ejaculatory prayer to the Holy Spirit. If you’d like to learn more about why we make ejaculatory prayers, read our meditation on blessing the name of Jesus.
St. Augustine’s Teachings on the Holy Spirit
St. Augustine is one of the most influential Doctors of the Church, and his theological writings profoundly shaped how Western Christianity understands the Holy Trinity.
For Augustine, the Holy Spirit is not just a distant force, but a deeply personal presence. He famously described the Holy Spirit as the “Bond of Love” (vinculum caritatis) between God the Father and God the Son. Just as the Father and Son are united in perfect, infinite love, the Holy Spirit is that very love breathed out.
When we pray, “Breathe into me Holy Spirit,” we are asking to participate in that exact same divine love. The Holy Spirit illuminates our minds, is the source of grace and charity, and is our advocate. By reciting this prayer you have stepped into a 1,600-year-old tradition of asking the Third Person of the Trinity to be the animating breath of your life.
Explore more Prayers, Meditations and Teachings of St. Augustine and the Church
Dive deeper into the rich spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church with these curated resources. From St. Augustine’s moving prayers of adoration and his historical letters on divine providence to ancient devotions honoring the Holy Spirit, these meditations and chaplets are selected to help you draw closer to the Real Presence of Jesus and enrich your daily prayer life.
