Litany of the Holy Spirit

The Litany of the Holy Spirit is a devotional prayer that invokes the gifts and presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a profound petition for guidance, wisdom, and sanctification, often prayed to seek inspiration, clarity in decision-making, and deeper union with God. Its repetitive structure encourages meditative reflection, opening the heart to the Spirit’s work within us.

• Origin:
  The exact origin of the Litany of the Holy Spirit is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have developed in the early centuries of the Church, influenced by litanies used in monastic communities. Its present form was popularized in the Roman Catholic Church, and it has been traditionally used to invoke the Holy Spirit before important decisions, sacraments, or spiritual undertakings.

• Structure:
  The litany is composed of a series of invocations or titles of the Holy Spirit, each followed by the response “have mercy on us.” or “deliver us, O Holy Spirit.” It typically begins by calling upon the Spirit directly, acknowledges His attributes and gifts, and ends with a series of prayers for mercy, guidance, and sanctification. The structure is meant to foster a contemplative and receptive state.

• Purpose:
  The primary purpose is to call upon the Holy Spirit for enlightenment, strength, and divine guidance. It also prepares the faithful to receive the Spirit more fully, especially before sacraments such as Confirmation or moments of spiritual decision. It cultivates a deeper awareness of God’s presence and action in one’s life.

• Spiritual Value:
  Praying this litany nurtures humility, dependence on God, and receptivity to the Spirit’s gifts. It helps believers discern God’s will, receive comfort in times of trial, and grow in virtue. It’s particularly powerful for invoking courage, wisdom, understanding, and piety.

• When to Pray:

  • Before making important decisions or facing challenges.

  • During prayer for discernment, conversion, or sanctification.

  • At the beginning of retreats, catechesis, or communal prayers.

  • In preparation for receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, or Holy Orders.

Prayer:

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Divine Essence, one true God, have mercy on us.

Spirit of truth and wisdom, have mercy on us.
Spirit of holiness and justice, have mercy on us.
Spirit of understanding and counsel, have mercy on us.
Spirit of love and joy, have mercy on us.
Spirit of peace and patience, have mercy on us.
Spirit of longanimity and meekness, have mercy on us.
Spirit of benignity and goodness, have mercy on us.

Love substantial of the Father and the Son, have mercy on us.
Love and life of saintly souls, have mercy on us.
Fire ever burning, have mercy on us.
Living water to quench the thirst of hearts, have mercy on us.

From all evil, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From all impurity of soul and body, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From all gluttony and sensuality, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From all attachments to the things of the earth, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From all hypocrisy and pretence, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From all imperfections and deliberate faults, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From our own will, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From slander, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From deceiving our neighbours, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From our passions and disorderly appetites, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From our inattentiveness to Thy holy inspirations, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From despising little things, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From debauchery and malice, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From love of comfort and luxury, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From wishing to seek or desire anything other than Thee, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.
From everything that displeases Thee, deliver us, O Holy Spirit.

Most loving Father, forgive us.
Divine Word, have pity on us.
Holy and divine Spirit, leave us not until we are in possession of the Divine Essence, Heaven of heavens.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Send us the divine Consoler.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Fill us with the gifts of Thy Spirit.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Make the fruits of the Holy Spirit increase within us.

Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.
Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created, And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let Us Pray
God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructed the hearts of the faithful, grant us by the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord,
Amen.