The Prayer to the Holy Spirit (Breathe In Me) is a short but powerful invocation traditionally attributed to St. Augustine, calling on the Holy Spirit to sanctify every part of our lives — our thoughts, our work, our love, and our actions. Its simple, repeated structure makes it easy to memorize and pray daily, asking for the grace to think, act, love, defend, and remain holy through the Spirit’s guidance. A beautiful short prayer for anyone seeking to invite the Holy Spirit more fully into everyday life.
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy. Amen.
St. Augustine’s Evening Prayer is a beautiful prayer composed by St. Augustine asking God to be present during the night hours, in particularly those who are awake (perhaps from insomnia or by choice), those who are “watching” (keeping vigil – whether in prayer, caring for the sick, or standing guard), and those who are weeping or in distress.
In Christian tradition, “watching” or “keeping watch” carries profound spiritual significance, echoing Jesus’s instruction to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to “watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41). This concept of watchfulness represents spiritual alertness, readiness in faith, and attentiveness to God’s presence and will.
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch or weep tonight, and give Your angels and saints charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Loving Lord; rest Your weary ones; bless Your dying ones; soothe Your suffering ones; pity Your afflicted ones; shield Your joyous ones. And all for Your love’s sake. Amen.
