We often ask others to pray for us, but we forget those who do it day after day. A prayer for your spiritual father is a sign of gratitude towards the person who hears your confession, advises you and carries your worries before God. In this article you will find short prayers for your confessor, for all servants of the Church and for missionaries, as well as a few thoughts on how to remember them.
Why pray for your spiritual father
A priest is a human being, with fatigue, temptations, family worries and responsibility for hundreds of souls. In the Orthodox tradition, the faithful praying for their shepherd is natural: at every Divine Liturgy petitions are made for the bishop, the priests and all the clergy. Saint John Chrysostom, who wrote the famous work On the Priesthood, showed how heavy this ministry is and how much the priest needs God's help.
When you pray for your spiritual father, you are also praying for yourself: an enlightened spiritual father can guide you better.
Prayer for your spiritual father
Prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You for my spiritual father, (name). Give him health, strength and peace. Enlighten his mind when he counsels me, protect him from temptations and weariness, and reward the love with which he receives me. And make me an obedient and grateful spiritual child. Amen.
Prayer for priests and all servants of the Church
Prayer in your own words (suggested by us, not a liturgical text):
Lord, remember the bishops, priests, deacons, cantors and all who serve in Your Church. Give them living faith, humility and love for people. Strengthen the weary, raise up the fallen and protect their families. Amen.
Prayer for missionaries
Missionaries often travel far from home, to poor or dangerous places, to bring the Gospel and practical help to people.
Lord, Who sent the Apostles into all the world, protect today's missionaries. Give them health, a safe journey and the right words, so that they may bring light and Your mercy where it is needed. Amen.
How you can remember your spiritual father
- Daily, in your personal prayer. Say his name among those you remember in the morning and in the evening.
- On the prayer list. You can write his name on the list for the living, at the Liturgy.
- Light a candle for him at church or at home, before an icon. If you want to create a prayer corner, you will find suitable candles in our shop.
- On his name day and on the anniversary of his ordination, say a special prayer of thanksgiving.
- Through obedience. The greatest joy for a spiritual father is to see his spiritual children grow.
Before confession, many believers read Psalm 50, the psalm of repentance. And if you are going through a period in which you feel you need guidance beyond confession, an individual session can help you put your thoughts in order.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say a prayer for your spiritual father?
Simply, in your own words: you mention his name, thank God for him and ask for health, wisdom and protection. You can say it at the end of your morning or evening prayers.
Can I pray for a priest who has disappointed me?
Yes. Praying for those who serve does not mean you approve of everything they do, but that you entrust them to God. If the relationship with your confessor does not help you, it is natural to look, peacefully, for another spiritual father.
What prayer can I say for a sick spiritual father?
You can use the prayer above, adding a request for healing, and you can read for him the texts in our guide prayer for the sick.
Can I pray for a spiritual father who has passed away?
Yes, by remembering him at memorial services and in prayers for the departed, asking for rest for his soul.
