Prayer to Saint John the Baptist

Saint John the Baptist directing his disciples toward Jesus Christ

He came before everything was ready. Before the roads were straight or the hearts prepared. John the Baptist spent his life pointing away from himself — toward the One who was coming. If you are in a season of waiting, of preparation, or of not yet knowing what God is asking of you, this prayer is for you.

Who Is Saint John the Baptist?

John the Baptist is often called the last of the prophets and the first witness of the New Covenant. Born to Elizabeth and Zechariah six months before Jesus, he was consecrated to God from his mother’s womb. He lived in the desert, preached repentance, and baptized Jesus in the Jordan River — the moment the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove and the Father’s voice was heard.

He was beheaded by Herod at the request of Salome, dying as a martyr for speaking the truth. The Church celebrates two feast days in his honor — his birth on June 24 and his martyrdom on August 29. He is the patron saint of converts, baptism, and all who prepare the way for Christ.

When Should You Pray to Saint John the Baptist?

When you are preparing for Baptism or Confirmation
When you feel called to a deeper conversion
When you are in a season of waiting or preparation
When you need courage to speak the truth
When someone you love is far from faith and needs conversion
On his feast day, June 24
During times of spiritual renewal or discernment

Prayer to Saint John the Baptist

Saint John the Baptist, you who leapt with joy in your mother’s womb at the presence of the Lord — intercede for me today.

You spent your life preparing the way. You pointed always away from yourself and toward the One who was to come. Teach me to do the same.

Where I have made myself the center, help me to decrease. Where I have been silent out of fear, give me your courage. Where I am still waiting for God to act, give me your patience and your trust.

I bring before you this intention: [mention your intention here]

Saint John the Baptist, pray for me. Prepare in me a straight path for the Lord to walk.

Amen.

How to Use This Prayer

Pray it on June 24, the feast of his birth — one of only three birthdays the Church celebrates in her liturgical calendar, alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus himself. You can also pray it during times of spiritual preparation, before Confession, or whenever you feel called to deeper conversion.

If you want to go deeper, consider praying the Novena to Saint John the Baptist in the days leading up to his feast.