Cardinal Mercier’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit

This powerful prayer was written by the Archbishop of Malines, Belgium, Cardinal Désiré-Joseph Mercier. Cardinal Mercier recommended saying this prayer every day. The text of his advice is printed here along with the prayer.

I am going to reveal to you a secret of sanctity and happiness. For five minutes every day quieten your imagination, close your eyes to everything visible and your ears to all external sounds and withdraw into the sanctuary of your baptised soul which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. There, speak to the Holy Spirit and say:

O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore You.
Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me.
Tell me what I should do; give me Your orders.
I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me
and to accept all that You permit to happen to me.
Let me only know Your Will.

If you do this, your life will be happy and serene. Even in the midst of troubles you will experience great consolation, for grace will be given to strengthen and help you to cope with every difficulty.

– Cardinal Désiré-Joseph Mercier