The Veni Creator Spiritus is one of the oldest hymns to the Holy Spirit in the Western Church, composed by Rabanus Maurus in the 9th century. Traditionally sung at ordinations, consecrations, and the opening of councils, it asks the Spirit to dwell in us and illuminate our knowledge of the Trinity. Pray it today when you need clarity, courage, or the fire of divine love.
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 Fount of life, and Fire of love,
And sweet anointing from above.O Holy Ghost, through thee alone
Know we the Father and the Son;
Be this our firm unchanging creed,
That thou dost from them both proceed.Praise we the Father and the Son,
And Holy Spirit, with them one;
And may the Son on us bestow
The gifts that from the Spirit flow.Amen.
Rabanus Maurus, 9th century
How this prayer works
The Veni Creator asks the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts, bring heavenly aid, and fill us with divine love. It calls the Spirit “Comforter,” “Fount of life,” and “Fire of love,” names drawn from Scripture and the Church Fathers. The third stanza confesses the doctrine of the Trinity: we know the Father and the Son through the Spirit, who proceeds from both. The prayer ends by asking Christ to bestow the Spirit’s gifts on us, the seven gifts named by Isaiah and received at Confirmation.
Rabanus Maurus, a Benedictine abbot and Archbishop of Mainz, wrote this hymn for the dedication of a church. It has been sung at every papal conclave since the Middle Ages and is traditionally prayed at the start of important Church gatherings, when discernment and divine guidance are needed most.
Pray it slowly this morning, asking the Spirit to fill the day ahead. It works especially well before making a decision, beginning a project, or when you feel spiritually dry. The rhythm of the verses invites you to pause after each stanza and let the words settle.
Return to it whenever you need the fire of divine love.
