Prayer for Vocations
O Divine Jesus, Who didst say, “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,” we humbly beseech Thee to grant Thy Church an abundance of holy priests and fervent religious.
For Holy Priests
Vouchsafe to raise up in Thy Church ministers after Thine own Heart, who shall be true shepherds of Thy flock. Grant us priests who are holy in life, zealous for souls, steadfast in faith, and inflamed with a divine love for the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. May they be faithful dispensers of Thy mysteries, and may they, by their word and example, lead many souls to Thee.
For Consecrated Souls
We pray also for generous souls who will consecrate themselves wholly to Thy service in the religious life. Fill them with the spirit of the evangelical counsels, that by their poverty, chastity, and obedience, they may be a living sign of Thy Kingdom in the world. Raise up holy brothers and sisters to teach the ignorant, to care for the sick and the orphan, and to offer their lives in prayer and penance for the conversion of sinners.
For Those Who Discern
Enlighten with Thy grace, O Lord, the hearts of the young, that they may discern Thy holy will for them. Give them the courage to answer Thy call with generosity and to overcome all obstacles to their vocation. Strengthen their parents and families, that they may joyfully offer their children to Thy service.
We make this prayer through the intercession of Mary, Queen of the Clergy, Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse, and Saint John Mary Vianney, the patron of all priests. Amen.
Contexte Historique
This form of prayer is deeply rooted in the Gospel command of Our Lord Jesus Christ: ‘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). For centuries, the faithful have offered supplications for holy vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life, recognizing that these are a divine gift essential for the life of the Church and the salvation of souls. Popes and bishops have consistently encouraged this devotion, often composing prayers for this intention and establishing special days of prayer for vocations.