Saint John the Baptist,

humble and faithful precursor of the Savior,

you who prepared the ways of the Lord

and announced his coming with strength and truth,

I turn to you with confidence.

You who lived in the desert,

in prayer, simplicity and austerity,

teach me to detach myself from what is vain,

to seek what remains,

and to let the light of Christ grow in me.

You who were not afraid to denounce injustice,

even at the cost of your freedom and your life,

give me the courage to be a witness to the truth,

to speak with righteousness and love,

and to defend the little ones, the weak, the forgotten.

You who recognised Jesus as the Lamb of God,

open my eyes so that I may know how to recognise him every day

in simple gestures, in open hearts,

in trials as well as in joys.

Make me able to say with you:

"He must grow, and I must diminish."

Saint John, you who baptized in the waters of the Jordan,

help me to renew in myself the grace of my baptism.

Renew faith, hope and charity in my heart,

and make me worthy to be a servant of Christ,

humble and ardent as you have been.

Intercede for me with God,

that He may grant me the graces I need

in the struggles of my life.

Protect my family, my loved ones,

and lead me, through your prayer,

to Him whose way you have prepared:

Jesus, the Son of God, light of the world and source of life.

Amen.