Prayer Resources · Common Prayers
Veni Creator Spiritus
The Church's ancient hymn asking the Holy Spirit to fill, guide, strengthen, and unite
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Veni Creator Spiritus—‘Come, Creator Spirit’—is traditionally prayed when the Church seeks the Holy Spirit’s guidance in serious work, discernment, councils, ordinations, and new beginnings.
The Prayer
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest, and in our hearts take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
O Comforter, to Thee we cry, Thou heavenly gift of God Most High; Thou font of life and fire of love, and sweet anointing from above.
Drive far away our deadly foe, and Thine abiding peace bestow; if Thou be our protecting guide, no evil can our steps betide.
Teach us to know the Father, Son, and Thee, of both, to be but One; that through the ages all along this may be our endless song: praise to Thy eternal merit, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Important Catholic Boundary
The Holy Spirit is God, the third Person of the Blessed Trinity—not an impersonal energy to be manipulated. Christian prayer asks for His indwelling and guidance in obedience to the truth.
When to Pray This Hymn
- Before a major decision or a new work of service.
- At Pentecost and during a novena to the Holy Spirit.
- Before study, teaching, writing, or a parish meeting.
- When a family or community needs peace and unity.
The Holy Spirit and Discernment
Authentic inspiration does not contradict Scripture, Catholic faith, moral truth, or the duties of one’s state in life. Discernment tests desires patiently and welcomes wise counsel.
The fruits of the Spirit include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits are more reliable than novelty or emotional intensity.
A Catholic Practice Plan
Pray the hymn before one recurring responsibility for the next week, then work with attention and integrity.
Sources and Editorial Notes
This page is self-contained. These open sources are supplied for verification and deeper study.
- Wikisource: Veni Creator Spiritus
Public-domain English devotional text from an historical Catholic collection. - Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy
Official principles for devotions in harmony with Scripture and the sacred liturgy.
Public-domain traditional hymn text is presented in a shortened devotional form; commentary is original to CatholicG33k.