Prayer for the Synod on Synodality

You are with us, Holy Spirit,

as we gather together in Your name.

As You guide us,

Make Yourself at home in our hearts.

Teach us the way to go and how to follow Your guidance.

We are attentive and ready. Help us to promote hope and peace.

Holy Wisdom, lead us in a love that influences our actions.

Let us find in You our unity

as we journey together in light.

All this we ask of You,

who are at work in every place and time.

Glory to You, Source of All Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Every session of the Second Vatican Council began with the prayer Adsumus Sancte Spiritus, the first word of the Latin original meaning, “We stand before You, Holy Spirit,” which has been historically used at Councils, Synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years, is attributed to Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560 – 4 April 636). As we are called to embrace this synodal path of the Synod 2021-2023, this prayer invites the Holy Spirit to operate within us so that we may be a community and a people of grace. For the Synod 2021-2023, the USCCB proposed a simplified version, so that any group or liturgical assembly can pray more easily. This version was beautifully rendered by Mary Jean Ferry, BVM.

Ferry, M.J. (2021). Adsumus Sancte Spiritus (Rev. ed). The Vatican.

[https://www.usccb.org/prayers/prayer-synod-synodality]