Prayers for Illumination on Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit,
pour out upon us
wisdom and understanding,
that, being taught by you in Holy Scripture,
our hearts and minds may be opened to receive
all that leads to life and holiness.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Ancient Collect, Source Unknown
O Lord, heavenly Father, in whom the fullness of light and wisdom,
enlighten our minds by your Holy Spirit,
and give us grace to receive your Word with reverence and humility,
without which no one can understand your truth. For Christ’s sake, Amen.
John Calvin
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Breathe in us, O Holy Spirit,
That our thoughts may all be holy.
Act in us, O Holy Spirit,
That our work, too, may be holy.
Draw our hearts, O Holy Spirit,
That we love but what is holy.
Strengthen us, O Holy Spirit,
To defend all that is holy.
Guard us, then, O Holy Spirit,
That we always may be holy.
Augustine of Hippo, Adapted for Corporate Worship by Stuart Strachan Jr.
Lord, may the gospel be to us more than mere words.
May the Holy Spirit produce in us strong conviction.
Contemporary Prayers for Public Worship, Ed. Caryl Mickelm, Erdmans, 1967.
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.
O God, your Word is more precious than fine gold, and sweeter than purest honey. As we turn to your Scripture, send your Holy Spirit to infuse your Word with truth and grace — so that the good news of your love would shine before our eyes and delight our senses … so that we cannot help but respond with wonder, faith and trust. Amen.
Draw us close, Holy Spirit, as the Scriptures are read and the Word is proclaimed. Let the word of faith be on our lips and in our hearts, and let all other words slip away. May there be one voice we hear today — the voice of truth and grace. Amen.
Eternal God, your Spirit inspired those who wrote the Bible and enlightens us to hear your Word fresh each day. Help us to rely always on your promises in Scripture. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Dear Lord and God, I thank and praise You for Your Word, the Holy Scriptures, and for the promise that Your Holy Spirit will guide me into all truth. Give me a teachable spirit so that I may learn all that You would teach me in Your Word and prevent me from falling into deceptive teaching or false doctrine.
Lord, I ask that by Your Holy Spirit, You would open my mind to the truth and give me discernment so that I am not tossed about by every wind of doctrine. Thank You for what You are teaching me in Your Word and give me a thirst to read, mark learn and inwardly digest all that You would have me learn.
Lead me in the path off righteousness and guide me into all truth for Your holy name’s sake. Help me to come to a deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus, so that I may grow in grace. Keep me from pride I pray, and may I walk humbly before You all the days of my life. I ask this in the precious name of my Savior, Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.
O God, the Holy Spirit, come to us, and among us; come as the wind, and cleanse us, come as the fire and burn, come as the dew and refresh; convict, convert, and consecrate many hearts and lives to our great good and to thy greater glory; and this we ask for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
O Great Spirit, whose breath gives life to the world, and whose voice is heard in the soft breeze; We need your strength and wisdom. Cause us to walk in beauty. Give us the eyes ever to behold the red and purple sunset. Make us wise so that we may understand what you have taught us. Help us learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Make us always ready to come to you with clean hands and steady eyes, so when life fades, like the fading sunset, our hearts come to you without shame. Amen.