5 Prayers to the Holy Spirit

Emily Hall emilyhallbooks.com/
Updated Nov 10, 2023

Who is the Holy Spirit, what role does he play in the Christian life and why do we pray to the Holy Spirit? In John 15, Jesus tells his disciples about the persecution they will encounter by following him. “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20) As he went on about what life would be like after he eventually left to be with the Father, they naturally grew sorrowful (John 16:6). They didn’t know the wonder that God had planned next. Jesus comforts them in John 16:7, “I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.” This “Helper” is the Holy Spirit. We have collected powerful prayers to the Holy Spirit to help you in your faith journey but first, let's take a look at the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and why our prayers to him are vital for power and growth.

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Holy Trinity alongside God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son of God. The Holy Spirit is an equally important part of Trinity and has a vital role in the life of a believer. In John 14:26 we see the greek work "Parakletos" which is translated "Helper" in the ESV, "Advocate" in the NIV, and "Counselor" in the KJV. Jesus, knowing that he would soon depart from earth, told his disciples that a greater helper would come and provide both wise counsel and reminds of his teachings.

In addition to being a Helper, the Holy Spirit has many additional roles in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and steers us away from temptation and toward repentance. He is a source of wisdom and revelation as 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 teaches us: "“These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except for their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." The Spirit reveals truth to the believer. John 16:13-15 states "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you”. As we pray to the Holy Spirit we can ask for wisdom and leading away from things that will harm us and toward God's will for our lives.

The Holy Spirit helps us when we feel weak and intercedes for us when we need strength and grace. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27). We can pray to the Holy Spirit for supernatural strength when we face difficult times.

We are made new through the Holy Spirit at salvation and are able to pursue sanctification through the good fruit of the Spirit. Romans 8:10-11 states "if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you”. The "Fruit of the Spirit" is a term used in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in Galatians 5:22-25, to describe the character traits and virtues that are produced in the lives of believers who are led by the Holy Spirit that include love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, faith, and self-control.

Lastly, the Holy Spirit imparts gifts to believers that help support and edify the body of believers. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 describe some of these gifts that are manifestations of the Spirit for the common good including: wisdom, faith, healing, prophecy, knowledge, discernment, teaching, giving, mercy, leadership, and more.

Let us pray to the Holy Spirit both indiviually and together - asking him for help, guidance, wisdom, and the filling of his fruit and gifts.

Need some prayers for the Holy Spirit to guide you during this season? Download your FREE personal, printable guide for prayers for guidance from the Holy Spirit.

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A Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, You are God. I praise you because you are holy, and I thank you for dwelling in my heart. Thank you for working in my life. You guided me into salvation, renewed my dead spirit, and you opened my eyes to the Truth. Thank you.

Help me to see you more clearly – to recognize your movement in my life. Make me more sensitive to you so I can follow you more closely. Still, I know that I am selfish and rebellious. I need you to help me be obedient when I recognize your leading. I need you.

I ask you for your help and comfort today. You know my pain and anxieties very well. Thank you for praying over me. Help me to rest in your comfort today.

Help me to walk in you, the Spirit of God. Grow good fruit in my life. You are the one who produces these in me: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I cannot live out these things on my own; I need you. Amen

A Prayer for Holy Spirit Guidance

Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to comfort us in our weaknesses. You give us strength when we cannot take another step. Guide us into all truth, remind us of your ways, and give us boldness to testify about what you’re doing in our lives. You shape and mold us into a purer reflection of your Son.

May you guide our steps, our thoughts, and our attitudes as we partner with you in faith, in obedience, and in submission. You are wholly trustworthy, and we praise you that you sparked the flame of faith in our lives and that you keep it going by your power. Pour out your Spirit on us so that we might testify about you to those who need your transforming power in their lives. In Jesus’ name, amen. (Jessica Van Roekel)

A Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation from the Holy Spirit

Deae God, I come before you in humility and reverence, seeking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Your Word reminds us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask, and you will generously provide it. Today, I earnestly seek that wisdom, knowing that it is a gift from your loving and gracious hand.

Holy Spirit, Divine Counselor, and Source of all wisdom, I invite your presence into my heart and mind. Enlighten my understanding, that I may discern your will in all things. Grant me clarity and insight as I navigate the challenges and decisions of life.

Help me to see the world through your eyes, to understand the hearts of others, and to discern the path of righteousness. Fill me with discernment to recognize truth from falsehood, wisdom to make sound choices, and the courage to act in accordance with your guidance.

Lord, grant me the wisdom to be patient in trials, to be understanding in conflicts, and to be a source of peace and love in all my interactions. May your wisdom flow through me to bless others and bring glory to your name.

I surrender my own understanding and lean not on my own understanding but on your infinite wisdom. I trust that you will direct my steps and order my life according to your perfect plan. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for your promise to guide and teach me. I receive your wisdom with an open heart and a grateful spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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A Prayer to Welcome the Holy Spirit into Our Day

Holy Spirit, we welcome You. Holy Spirit, we know that You are the Counselor of Truth, our help in need, and the One who fills us with the Spirit of God. Holy Spirit, we pray this very day to come into greater communion with You. You so graciously work to intercede for us to the Father, but also to comfort us with Your peace that goes beyond all understanding. Holy Spirit, please come.

Holy Spirit, today we ask for godly counsel and direction. As it says in Psalm 37:4 to delight yourselves in the Lord, so we boldly seek to do so today. Following the will and heart of the Father is our greatest desire, for we know His plans are best for us and, in the end, glorify the kingdom. Holy Spirit, please lead us by Your wisdom, discernment, and kindness throughout our lives.

Holy Spirit we praise and thank You for the love lavished upon us. Holy Spirit, we seek and so earnestly crave to be in Your presence, to feel the inner work of You in our own hearts and minds. You so graciously give comfort, truth, and love. Holy Spirit, we welcome You this very day. In the Name of Christ Jesus, Amen. (Cally Logan)

A Prayer for the Holy Spirit to Teach You

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Not only does He convict me of my sin when I daily fall short, He is my ever-present Help in time of need who also guides me into all truth. I admit that I need help understanding your Holy written Word.

Holy Spirit, will you give me a hunger to daily read the Bible? May You supernaturally illuminate what I am reading and give me the ability to comprehend what I am studying, not just for head knowledge, but to help me know You in a deeper way so that I give You the worship You deserve. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Emily Massey)

To Be Filled with the Fruit of the Spirit

Dear God,

I come before you ready and willing to display your work in my life. I desire to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit, to be more like Christ in my thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

Fill me with the fruit of love, that I may love You with all my heart and love my neighbor as myself. Let Your love flow through me, touching the lives of those around me.

Fill me with the fruit of joy, that I may experience a deep and abiding joy in You, regardless of my circumstances. May my joy be a source of strength and hope to others.

Fill me with the fruit of peace, that I may be a peacemaker and bring reconciliation to conflicts. Let Your peace guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Fill me with the fruit of forbearance, that I may be patient and long-suffering, even in the face of adversity. Help me to extend grace to others as You have extended it to me.

Fill me with the fruit of kindness, that I may show kindness and compassion to those I meet. Use me as an instrument of Your kindness in the world.

Fill me with the fruit of goodness, that I may live a life of moral integrity and righteousness, reflecting Your goodness to others.

Fill me with the fruit of faithfulness, that I may be faithful in my commitments and relationships, just as You are always faithful to Your promises.

Fill me with the fruit of gentleness, that I may approach others with humility, meekness, and a gentle spirit.

Fill me with the fruit of self-control, that I may exercise discipline over my desires and actions, aligning them with Your will.

Lord, I submit myself to your transformative work. Empty me of my selfishness, pride, and sin, and fill me with your Spirit. May these fruits become evident in my life, bearing witness to your presence within me. ask for your guidance and strength to cultivate these virtues daily, to your glory and for the benefit of others. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for for a Spirit Led Life

Lord, I pray you would move the Spirit more boldly in my life. I know that any sin can grieve and diminish the voice of the Spirit, and I pray against the temptation to sin. Help me crave your presence more than I crave sin. Help me grow in the fruit of the Spirit and so walk closer with Yourself. I pray for guidance from your Spirit- let your will and promises always be a meditation of my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Prayer for the Spirit to Work in Your Life

Dear Lord, as we rise to meet each new day, please let us be filled with Your spirit. Wherever we go, let us spread love, joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness. Let us desire to become more like you and to worship you in all we do. Help us desire these things so much more than the sin that entices us. Thank you for always going before us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Bible Verses about the Holy Spirit

Genesis 1:1-2, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”
John 16:7, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”
Acts 2:1-4, “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Galatians 5:22, 23, 25; “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”
Revelation 2:7, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Video content taken from "A Prayer for Spiritual Warfare" by Rebecca Barlow Jordan. Video credits for audio, video, photos: Soundstripe, Storyblocks, LightStock, ThinkStock

This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

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