Prayers for Evangelization: For Your Parish, Missionaries and Those Far from the Faith
Quick answer
Evangelization begins with prayer, because only God changes hearts. These prayers, traditional and original, ask the Holy Spirit to renew the parish, give courage to witness, bless missionaries and draw home those who have drifted from the Church. They can be prayed alone, in small groups, or adapted as intercessions at Mass.
Key takeaways
- The Come, Holy Spirit is a traditional prayer often used before evangelization efforts.
- Jesus told us to pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers (Matthew 9:38).
- Sample intercessions can be added to the Prayers of the Faithful.
- Praying by name for one person far from the faith is a powerful habit.
“The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38, Douay-Rheims). Before Jesus sent His disciples out, He asked them to pray. Every work of evangelization starts the same way.
Come, Holy Spirit (Traditional)
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.
A Prayer for Our Parish (Original Prayer)
Lord Jesus, bless our parish family. Make us a community that prays, welcomes and serves. Help us notice the newcomer, the lonely and the one who has stayed away, and give us the words and the warmth to invite them home. Amen.
A Prayer Before Sharing My Faith (Original Prayer)
Holy Spirit, go before me. Give me a listening heart and simple words. Let me speak of Jesus with gentleness and respect, and leave the rest to You. Amen.
A Prayer for Someone Far from the Faith (Original Prayer)
Father of mercy, I bring before You (name). You know their story, their wounds and their questions. Draw them to Yourself in Your time and in Your way. Help me love them patiently, and let my life point to You. Amen.
A Prayer for Missionaries (Original Prayer)
Lord of the harvest, send laborers into Your harvest. Protect missionaries in every land, give them health, courage and joy, and bless the people they serve. St. Francis Xavier and St. Thérèse, pray for them. Amen.
Sample Prayers of the Faithful
These can be adapted for Sunday Mass or a small group:
- For the Church, that every baptized Catholic may become a joyful missionary disciple, we pray to the Lord.
- For our parish, that we may be a welcoming home for newcomers, seekers and those returning, we pray to the Lord.
- For family members and friends who have drifted from the faith, that they may feel the Father’s love calling them home, we pray to the Lord.
- For missionaries throughout the world, that the Holy Spirit may strengthen and protect them, we pray to the Lord.
A Prayer to Mary, Star of the New Evangelization
Pope Francis ended Evangelii Gaudium with a prayer to Our Lady as Star of the New Evangelization. In that spirit:
Mary, Mother of the Church, you carried Jesus to Elizabeth in haste. Help us carry Him to others with the same joy. Amen.
Continue Reading
Read about Go and Make Disciples, St. Monica, patron of those praying for loved ones, or St. Francis Xavier.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a patron saint of evangelization?
St. Francis Xavier and St. Thérèse of Lisieux are patrons of the missions. Many also pray to St. Paul and to Our Lady, whom Pope Francis called the Star of the New Evangelization.
How can I pray for a family member who has left the Church?
Pray for them daily by name, offer a Mass for them, ask St. Monica's intercession, and keep loving them without pressure. Our prayer for a child who has left the faith in the St. Monica article may help.
Sources
- Gospel of Matthew 9:37-38 (Douay-Rheims)
- Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium (2013), no. 288
- General Instruction of the Roman Missal, nos. 69–71
