Prayer to the Holy Spirit (Cardinal Mercier's Secret of Sanctity)

Cardinal Désiré-Joseph Mercier (1851-1926), Archbishop of Mechelen in Belgium, was a philosopher, a pastor, and a symbol of courage during the First World War. He recommended this brief prayer as "the secret of sanctity and happiness," promising peace to anyone who would quiet the imagination for five minutes each day, enter into the sanctuary of the soul, and speak to the Holy Spirit in these words.

Pray it every day in a moment of silence, especially when you need guidance, face a decision, or feel pulled in many directions. It is a simple way to practice docility to the Holy Spirit, accepting both what He asks and what He permits.

The Prayer

O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore Thee. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do; give me Thy orders. I promise to submit myself to all that Thou desirest of me and to accept all that Thou permittest to happen to me. Let me only know Thy will. Amen.

Sources: Prayer to the Holy Spirit by Cardinal Désiré-Joseph Mercier (d. 1926), traditional English form, public domain.

---

If these prayers help you, you can support Daily Catholic Prayers, a private passion project, starting at $5.