The Sacrament of Confirmation marks a pivotal moment in a young person’s spiritual journey, representing the completion of baptismal grace and a conscious commitment to live as a mature disciple of Christ. As candidates prepare to receive the sealing of the Holy Spirit, they often face a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and the weight of adult responsibility within the Church. It is a season of deep reflection where they are called to move beyond the faith of their parents and embrace a personal relationship with the Creator that will guide them through the complexities of the modern world.
Interceding for these candidates is a vital act of spiritual support that helps fortify their hearts against the distractions and pressures of secular life. Our prayers serve as a bridge, asking the Holy Spirit to awaken His sevenfold gifts within them and to grant them the courage to be bold witnesses for the Gospel. By lifting them up in prayer, we are not only celebrating their sacramental milestone but also commissioning them to be the light of the world, ensuring they remain firmly rooted in the truth and love of Jesus Christ.
23 Prayer For Confirmation Candidates
1. Acts 1:8 (ESV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
This prayer focuses on the reception of divine power that enables the candidate to live out their faith with boldness and conviction. We ask the Lord to pour out the Holy Spirit upon the candidate, transforming them into a fearless witness for Christ in their schools, families, and future workplaces. This spiritual empowerment is necessary for them to overcome the fear of judgment and to stand firm in their identity as a child of God.
May the candidate recognize that this power is not for their own glory but for the service of the Kingdom across the entire earth. We petition the Father to open their hearts to the specific mission He has prepared for them from the beginning of time. Let the indwelling of the Spirit grant them the resilience to face every challenge with the certainty that they are never alone in their journey of discipleship.
2. Isaiah 11:2 (ESV)
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
The sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit are the essential tools that a confirmation candidate needs to navigate the complexities of adulthood. We pray that the Spirit of wisdom and understanding would illuminate their minds, helping them to discern the truth in a world filled with confusing messages. This divine counsel provides a steady compass for their moral decisions, ensuring they always choose the path that leads to life and holiness.
We also ask for the Spirit of might and knowledge to strengthen their resolve and deepen their intellectual grasp of the faith. May they be filled with a healthy fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of all true wisdom and reverence. Let these gifts rest upon them continually, allowing their characters to be refined and their actions to reflect the very light of the Creator in all they do.
3. Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
While the gifts of the Spirit provide the tools, the fruits of the Spirit manifest the evidence of a soul truly transformed by grace. We pray that the candidate’s life would be a rich harvest of love, joy, and peace, drawing others toward the beauty of the Gospel through their character. This internal transformation serves as a powerful testimony that they have indeed been sealed by the Spirit and are living in accord with the heart of Jesus.
We petition for the patience and self-control necessary to resist the fleeting temptations of the flesh and the pressures of secular society. May their gentleness and kindness be a soothing presence to those who are suffering or lost in darkness. As they grow in faithfulness, let their lives be a consistent reflection of the goodness of God, proving that a life lived in the Spirit is truly the most fulfilling path.
4. John 14:26 (ESV)
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
The transition into spiritual adulthood requires a constant teacher and guide to remind the candidate of the teachings of Christ. We pray that the Holy Spirit would be a personal Helper to the candidate, actively teaching them the depths of the scriptures and the traditions of the Church. This divine instruction ensures that they are never without guidance when faced with difficult questions or moral dilemmas in their daily lives.
May the Spirit bring to their remembrance the words of Jesus during moments of temptation or doubt, providing them with the clarity they need to remain faithful. We ask that the candidate would develop a sensitive ear to the promptings of the Spirit, allowing them to hear the voice of the Father in the quiet of their hearts. Let this constant teaching lead them into a deeper intimacy with Christ that grows stronger with every passing year.
5. Ephesians 6:10–11 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Confirmation is often described as becoming a soldier for Christ, which necessitates a readiness for spiritual warfare. We pray that the candidate would find their true strength in the Lord rather than in their own limited human abilities. By putting on the whole armor of God, they are equipped to defend their faith against the subtle deceptions and direct attacks that seek to derail their spiritual progress.
May the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness be their constant protection as they step into the world as mature Christians. We ask for the shield of faith to quench every fiery dart of doubt or despair that the enemy might hurl their way. Let them stand firm in the Gospel of peace, knowing that the victory has already been won through the power and might of the Savior they serve.
6. 1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Candidates for confirmation are often young, yet they are called to be leaders and examples within the body of Christ. We pray that they would have the courage to set an example for others through their speech and their conduct, regardless of their age. This call to holiness is an invitation to show the world that even the young can walk in profound faith and commitment to the teachings of the Church.
We petition the Lord to guard their purity and to strengthen their capacity for genuine love and selfless service. May their lives be a visible proof of what is possible when a young person fully surrenders their heart to the grace of God. Let them never be intimidated by those who dismiss their youth, but instead let their unwavering faith be a source of inspiration to believers of all ages.
7. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Fear is one of the greatest obstacles to living a bold Christian life, especially for those being confirmed in an increasingly secular culture. We pray that the candidate would be delivered from the spirit of timidity and the fear of what others might think of their faith. Instead, we ask for a divine infusion of power and self-control that enables them to act with confidence and clarity in every situation.
May the love of God be the driving force behind all their actions, casting out the fear of rejection or failure. We ask for the discipline of self-control to manage their emotions and desires, keeping them focused on the high calling of their baptismal promises. Let them walk in the freedom of knowing that they have been equipped by the Creator with everything they need to succeed spiritually.
8. Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
The pressure to conform to worldly standards is relentless, making the renewal of the mind a critical need for every confirmation candidate. We pray that the candidate would resist the temptation to follow the passing trends of the culture and instead seek a deep transformation through the Holy Spirit. This mental renewal allows them to view the world through the lens of eternity rather than the temporary values of secular society.
We ask for the gift of discernment so that they may recognize the will of God in every choice they face. May they have the wisdom to understand what is truly good, acceptable, and perfect in the eyes of the Father. Let this transformation be an ongoing process that keeps their hearts and minds focused on the pursuit of holiness and the building of the Kingdom of God on earth.
9. Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
In a world filled with darkness and confusion, the candidate needs a reliable source of light to guide their steps. We pray that the Word of God would become a constant lamp to their feet, providing the direction and clarity they need to stay on the narrow path. May a deep hunger for the scriptures be awakened within them, leading them to find solace and instruction in the holy pages of the Bible.
We petition the Lord to illuminate the specific path He has ordained for their lives through the power of His Word. Let the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints be a secondary light that confirms their direction and keeps them safe from error. As they walk through the various seasons of their lives, may the light of truth never fade but grow brighter as they mature in faith.
10. 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (ESV)
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Confirmation is a time when the unique charisms and gifts of the candidate are meant to be activated for the building up of the Church. We pray that the candidate would recognize the specific gifts the Spirit has entrusted to them for the common good. This awareness of their spiritual role helps them to find their place within the body of Christ, contributing their talents to the mission of the Gospel.
May they never feel that their contribution is insignificant or that they lack the ability to serve the Lord effectively. We ask the Father to empower their activities and their service, ensuring that everything they do is rooted in the unity of the Spirit. Let their unique manifestation of grace be a source of blessing to their parish community and a vital part of the Church’s witness to the world.
11. Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
The journey after confirmation can often lead into unfamiliar territory where the candidate may feel frightened or overwhelmed by their responsibilities. We pray for a spirit of courage to rise up within them, reminding them that the Lord is always with them. This divine companionship provides the security they need to move forward into the future without being paralyzed by dismay or the fear of the unknown.
May they take to heart the command to be strong, knowing that their strength is anchored in the presence of the Almighty. We ask that they would never feel abandoned or alone, regardless of how difficult the circumstances of their lives may become. Let the assurance of God’s constant presence be the foundation of their peace and the source of their unwavering resolve to remain faithful to their calling.
12. 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
A mature faith requires the ability to explain and defend the hope that we have in Christ to those who are skeptical or curious. We pray that the candidate would always honor Christ as holy in the center of their hearts, keeping their relationship with Him as their highest priority. This internal devotion is the source of the hope that others will notice and ask them about as they go through their lives.
We ask for the intellectual and spiritual preparation needed to make a gentle and respectful defense of the faith. May the candidate never be defensive or arrogant in their interactions with others but always reflect the humility and love of Jesus. Let their words be seasoned with grace, drawing people toward the truth through the clarity of their arguments and the kindness of their character.
13. Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
The purpose of confirmation is to empower the candidate to be a visible light in a world that often dwells in spiritual darkness. We pray that their light would shine brightly through their good works and their commitment to justice and charity. This visibility is intended to point people toward the Father, ensuring that God is glorified through the humble service of His disciples.
May the candidate never hide their faith or be ashamed of the light that has been placed within them by the Holy Spirit. We ask for the courage to live authentically and to let their actions speak of the redeeming love of Christ. Let every good work they perform be a catalyst for others to recognize the goodness of God and to seek their own relationship with the Creator.
14. 2 Peter 1:5–7 (ESV)
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
Spiritual growth is an ongoing journey that requires intentional effort and the layering of various virtues upon the foundation of faith. We pray that the candidate would be committed to the lifelong process of supplementing their faith with knowledge and self-control. This ladder of spiritual progress ensures that their relationship with God remains dynamic and that they are constantly maturing into the image of Christ.
We petition for the steadfastness and godliness necessary to endure the trials of life without losing their spiritual momentum. May they cultivate a deep brotherly affection for their fellow believers and a radical love for all of humanity. As they climb this path of virtue, let their hearts be expanded by the grace of God, making them into true pillars of the faith who are anchored in love.
15. Colossians 2:6–7 (ESV)
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Confirmation is the beginning of a new way of walking through the world, rooted in the person of Jesus Christ. We pray that the candidate would always walk in Him, never straying from the path of righteousness or the teachings they have received. This being rooted and built up in Christ provides the stability they need to withstand the storms of life and the shifting tides of human opinion.
May they be firmly established in their faith, growing stronger in their convictions as they walk with the Lord. We ask for a heart that is always abounding in thanksgiving, recognizing that every breath and every grace is a gift from the Father. Let gratitude be the hallmark of their spiritual life, keeping them humble and focused on the boundless generosity of the God they serve.
16. James 1:12 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.
The life of a confirmed Christian will inevitably include tests and trials that challenge their commitment to the Gospel. We pray that the candidate would remain steadfast under every trial, viewing these difficulties as opportunities for their faith to be refined and strengthened. This spiritual endurance is the path to the crown of life that has been promised to all those who truly love the Lord.
We petition for the resilience to stand the test of time and temptation without wavering in their devotion. May they always keep their eyes on the eternal reward, recognizing that the temporary struggles of this world are nothing compared to the glory that awaits them. Let their love for God be the anchor that keeps them steady through the wind and waves of life’s many challenges.
17. Romans 5:5 (ESV)
and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
The hope of the Gospel is not a wishful thinking but a certain reality that is confirmed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We pray that the candidate would never be put to shame by their hope, even when the world mocks their faith or their values. This inner certainty is sustained by the love of God that has been poured into their hearts, providing an unbreakable bond of affection between the soul and the Creator.
May they experience the tangible reality of this divine love in their daily lives, finding comfort and strength in the presence of the Spirit. We ask that this love would overflow into their relationships, enabling them to love others with the same selfless and sacrificial heart as Christ. Let their hope be a radiant light that draws others toward the same peace and security they have found in the arms of the Father.
18. Psalm 27:1 (ESV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Fear is often used by the enemy to silence the witness of those who have been confirmed, but the Lord is a stronghold that cannot be shaken. We pray that the candidate would recognize the Lord as their light and their salvation, removing every reason for fear or anxiety. This spiritual confidence allows them to walk boldly through the world, knowing that their life is secured by the ultimate authority.
May they never be afraid of human opposition or the challenges that come with living a counter-cultural life of faith. We ask that the Lord would be the permanent stronghold of their life, providing a safe refuge during times of spiritual battle or personal distress. Let them walk with their heads held high, knowing that they are protected by the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
19. 1 John 4:4 (ESV)
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
This prayer is a powerful reminder to the candidate of their divine origin and the supernatural strength they possess through the Holy Spirit. We pray that they would always remember that the one who dwells within them is far greater than any force of darkness or deception found in the world. This awareness of God’s indwelling presence provides them with the ultimate victory over every temptation and trial they may encounter.
May they walk in the confidence of those who have already overcome the world through their relationship with Christ. We ask the Father to keep them firmly rooted in this truth, ensuring they never feel intimidated by the powers of this age. Let the greatness of the Spirit within them be manifest in their peace, their joy, and their unwavering commitment to the truth of the Gospel.
20. Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Confirmation is not the end of the journey but a significant step in the good work that God is performing in the candidate’s life. We pray for the assurance that the Father is faithful to finish what He has started within them, leading them toward perfection and holiness. This confidence in God’s ongoing work provides the candidate with the patience they need to grow at a steady and healthy pace.
May they never become discouraged by their own imperfections or slow progress, trusting that God is the master builder of their souls. We ask for the grace to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He continues to refine their character and deepen their faith. Let them rest in the certainty that their spiritual destiny is secure in the hands of the one who loves them with an eternal and unchanging love.
21. Ephesians 1:13–14 (ESV)
In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.
The sealing of the Holy Spirit at confirmation is a divine guarantee of the inheritance that awaits the candidate in the Kingdom of heaven. We pray that they would walk in the security of this seal, knowing that they belong to God forever and that their future is secure. This spiritual mark is a sign of God’s ownership and protection, ensuring that they are never lost to the powers of darkness.
May they live their lives to the praise of His glory, recognizing the immense value of the gift they have received. We ask for a deep appreciation of the Gospel of their salvation, which has provided the foundation for their belief and their hope. Let the reality of their eternal inheritance be the driving force behind their commitment to live as mature disciples in every season of their lives.
22. Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
The journey of faith requires a radical trust that goes beyond human logic and the limited understanding of the world. We pray that the candidate would trust in the Lord with all their heart, surrendering their plans and their future to His sovereign care. This total reliance on the Father ensures that their paths are made straight and that they are guided away from the pitfalls of error and confusion.
May they acknowledge God in every decision they make, seeking His counsel before they act or speak. We ask for the humility to set aside their own personal agendas and to seek the path that honors the Lord. Let their lives be a testament to the peace that comes from knowing that the Creator is directing their steps and establishing their future for His greater glory.
23. Numbers 6:24–26 (ESV)
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
This final prayer is the ultimate benediction over the candidate, asking for God’s comprehensive blessing and peace to cover their lives forever. We ask the Lord to make His face shine upon them, providing a warmth and a grace that sustains them through every difficult moment. May they be kept and secured by the power of the Almighty, from this day forth and throughout all of eternity.
We petition the Father to lift up His countenance upon them, granting them the deep, abiding peace that only He can provide. Let this peace guard their hearts and minds, keeping them steady through the wind and waves of the world. As they step out into their lives as confirmed Christians, may the grace of the Lord follow them every day, bringing them into the fullness of the joy and purpose for which they were created.
Conclusion
nterceding for confirmation candidates is a vital spiritual responsibility that helps bridge the transition between childhood faith and adult discipleship. You have successfully petitioned the Father for their spiritual protection, the awakening of the Spirit’s gifts, and the courage to live as bold witnesses in a complex world. These prayers provide a spiritual foundation that will sustain them as they leave the sanctuary and begin the arduous but rewarding work of building the Kingdom of God in their daily lives.
Rest in the assurance that the Holy Spirit has indeed sealed these candidates and is actively working to bring His good work in them to completion. Trust that the grace of the Sacrament will continue to bear fruit in their character, their relationships, and their service to the Church for years to come. May your heart be encouraged as you watch these new disciples grow in the love of Christ, becoming the light and salt that our world so desperately needs.
