Prayer of seminarians

A common prayer for seminarians, often attributed to an anonymous source, asks Jesus, the Eternal High Priest, to grant them humility, meekness, prudence, and a burning zeal for souls. It also requests that their hearts be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and that they be taught to know and love the Church, acting and thinking with her. The prayer further asks for generosity and detachment from worldly goods, and above all, to know and love Jesus, the One and Only Eternal Priest. It concludes by asking the Good Shepherd of souls to hear this prayer for saintly priests.

Many prayers for seminarians emphasize similar themes, focusing on their spiritual formation and future roles as priests. These prayers often seek divine guidance for seminarians during their discernment and studies, asking for virtues essential for priestly ministry. For instance, some prayers request that seminarians be led in "unerring footsteps" to become "models of purity, possessors of wisdom, and heroes of sacrifice" They also frequently ask for humility, love for God and humanity, and the ability to sanctify souls. The intercession of Mary, Queen of the Clergy, and other saints like St. John Vianney, is also commonly invoked for seminarians and for an increase in vocations. Parents and families are also encouraged to support and encourage young men and women in discerning their call to religious life. The broader intention behind these prayers is to ensure a continuous supply of dedicated and holy ministers for the Church.

PRAYER :" Lord, I want to serve you as a priest. I may not have much, but what I have to give you: My health, my talents, and my sincere desire to do your will. Lord, teach me to mold that desire into action, to channel my selfishness into service of others. Help me to bring love to the lonely, comfort to the oppressed, direction to the lost. Grant that I may one day be the kind of priest you want me to be. Amen. "