💡 Prayer to St. Augustine
The prayer to St. Augustine honors one of the greatest theologians and Doctors of the Church. St. Augustine of Hippo was a 4th-century bishop, philosopher, and theologian whose writings have profoundly influenced Christian thought. Known as the "Doctor of Grace," his journey from a life of sin to conversion inspires us to seek God's mercy and truth.
Prayer to St. Augustine
Traditional Prayer
O great St. Augustine,
our father and teacher,
shining light of the Church
and lover of the truth,
obtain for us from God
a great love of Jesus Christ
and of His truth and grace,
in order that we may imitate you
here on earth
and share in your glory in heaven.
Help us to overcome our weaknesses
and to grow in virtue,
especially in humility,
chastity, and charity.
Pray for us, O holy father,
that we may be worthy
of the promises of Christ.
Amen.
Short Prayer
St. Augustine,
Doctor of Grace,
pray for us and help us
to find our rest in God alone.
Guide us in our search for truth
and lead us to conversion of heart.
Amen.
Prayer for Conversion
O St. Augustine,
who experienced the depths of sin
and the heights of God's mercy,
pray for us that we may turn to God
with all our hearts.
Help us to say with you:
"Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new."
Amen.
When to Pray to St. Augustine
- • On August 28th - Feast day of St. Augustine
- • For conversion - When seeking conversion of heart
- • For students - When studying theology or philosophy
- • For sinners - When seeking God's mercy
- • For truth seekers - When searching for truth
- • For theologians - When studying Church doctrine
- • For Africa - When praying for the continent of Africa
- • For humility - When seeking the virtue of humility
History and Significance
Early Life
St. Augustine was born in 354 AD in Thagaste, North Africa. His mother, St. Monica, was a devout Christian, but Augustine lived a life of sin and intellectual pride, following the Manichean heresy and living with a mistress.
Conversion
After years of searching, Augustine was converted through the prayers of his mother and the preaching of St. Ambrose. His famous conversion in the garden, where he heard "Take and read," led him to embrace Christianity fully.
Bishop and Doctor
Augustine became Bishop of Hippo and wrote extensively on theology, philosophy, and spirituality. His works include "Confessions," "City of God," and numerous theological treatises that shaped Christian thought.
Legacy
St. Augustine is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Western Christianity. His writings on grace, original sin, and the Trinity continue to influence Catholic theology today.
Famous Quotes
"Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord."
"Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you!"
"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."
"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe."
Related Prayers
Prayer to St. Thomas Aquinas
Discover the prayer to the Angelic Doctor, one of the greatest theologians and philosophers of the Church.
Prayer to St. Benedict
Learn the prayer to the father of Western monasticism and patron of Europe.
Act of Contrition
The essential prayer of sorrow for sins, perfect for confession and daily repentance.