Learn the Words to the Catholic Prayer, 'Come, Holy Spirit'

One of the most well-known Roman Catholic prayers to the Holy Spirit, "Come Holy Spirit," is a good daily prayer to recite privately or with your family. If you are praying with others, the leader should recite the verse ("Send forth . . . "), and the others should reply with the response ("And You shall renew . . . ").

The Holy Spirit is the third part of the Trinity of Christianity with God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, as the other two parts. It is believed that the Holy Spirit is a part of all Christian believers.

Take a look at the prayer as well as a line-by-line interpretation of the prayer to understand the intent of the prayer.

"Come Holy Spirit" Prayer

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Come, Holy Spirit

The first request is to ask the Holy Spirit to come to you. You must believe there is a Holy Spirit and be willing and open to accept the spirit into your heart. This is the same Holy Spirit who Jesus told his disciples would be with them always after his crucifixion.

Fill the Hearts of Your Faithful

This part of the prayer is asking the Holy Spirit to fill you completely. This is a bold request. You are asking to be transformed by the Holy Spirit.

And Kindle Them the Fire of Your Love

The prayer now gets specific asking for the love that only the Holy Spirit can bring. The Holy Spirit's fire purifies the soul.

Send Forth Your Spirit and They Shall Be Created

You are asking the Spirit to make you a new creation. You are asking for a transforming renewal.

And You Shall Renew the Face of the Earth

When you are ignited by the Holy Spirit, you become part of the renewed world. Filled with the Holy Spirit, you can spread love and ignites other fires for spreading Christianity. You can become a source of renewal for all the people on the face of the earth. 

O God, Who by the Light of the Holy Spirit, 

God is reaching out to you by way of the Holy Spirit.

Did Instruct the Hearts of the Faithful

The work of the Spirit is alive enlightening your heart as well as guiding and instructing you.

Grant That by the Same Holy Spirit We May Be Truly Wise

The Holy Spirit is helping you to listen and discern. Being open to the Spirit enables you to move on to the next step.

And Ever Enjoy His Consolations.

You conclude the prayer asking that this same Spirit to allow you to be truly wise. You give yourself up to enjoying or being consoled by what the Spirit gives you.