Introduction
A baptism is a day of joy for the one who commits to it, for his family and for the whole church. If you have to pray before the immersion, with the relatives or to welcome the newly baptized, here are fifteen prayers addressed to God. Each can be read as it is or serve as a base for writing your own.
The pastor's prayers before the immersion
These prayers are said at the edge of the baptistery, just before or just after the immersion. They are brief: emotion already does a large part of the work.
"Lord, we are gathered for the baptism of our brother. He has chosen to follow you and to say so publicly. Strengthen him in this decision. May this water be for him the sign of a new life, lived with you to the very end."
"Father, you know the road this sister has traveled to reach this day. You sought her, you called her, and she answered. Go with her into the immersion. May she come out of the water with the joy of knowing that she belongs to you. May this day remain a joyful memory for her."
"God of grace, we thank you for this person's faith. Today she confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Receive her declaration, bless it, and may the Holy Spirit help her to persevere. We ask this with gratitude. May your presence go with her every day."
"Lord Jesus, you were baptized to show us the way. Today a new disciple follows in your steps. May this moment be both serious and joyful. May everyone present remember what you have done for them."
"Father, as we lower our brother into the water, we proclaim that his old life is behind him. May this passage be real, not only symbolic. Set him free from what has held him back, and give him a confident walk in the new life you are offering him."
Prayers from the family and loved ones of the baptized
Parents, spouses and friends often want to say something. These prayers suit the meal that follows the baptism, a time of sharing or a card.
"Lord, thank you for our son's faith. We watched him search, doubt, then commit. Today we are proud and moved. Keep him on this path, put faithful brothers and sisters along his way, and help us to support him without smothering him."
"Father, our daughter made this decision herself, and we thank you for touching her. Bless her baptism. May she grow in faith, discover your Word, learn to listen to you. Keep her heart gentle and her conviction firm. May your peace rest on her heart."
"Faithful God, you have answered our long-standing prayers. We praise you for this day. May it be the starting point of a faith that is lived, not merely declared. Help us to remain humble examples, not judges. Thank you for your patience with us all."
"Lord, I thank you for my friend who is being baptized. I have seen him change, and I know it is you at work in him. Protect him from discouragement, criticism and loneliness. May he feel our friendship as a concrete support."
"Father, bless this family gathered for the baptism. Some of us have believed for a long time, others are only beginning to discover. Touch every heart. Let this day open conversations, questions and perhaps other decisions. We ask you this with joy and confidence."
The church's prayers to welcome the newly baptized
After the baptism, the community officially welcomes the new believer. These prayers are addressed to God on behalf of the congregation and can be read by several voices.
"Lord, we welcome our brother into the family of faith. We promise to walk with him, to encourage him and to listen to him. Give us patience to answer his questions and the joy of growing together with him. May our welcome be warm and sincere."
"Father, thank you for this new sister in our church. May each of us make room for her, take her by the hand, invite her to eat, to pray, to serve. May she find here a family where she feels at home."
"God of communion, you wanted us to walk together. We pray for the one who has just been baptized. May he be rooted in your Word, persevere in prayer, and bear fruit in due time. We ask this together."
"Lord, today we celebrate a new beginning. We ask you to protect this newly baptized believer from the traps that lie in wait at the start. Place beside him people who are mature in the faith. And remind us all that we too are disciples on the way."
"Father, we thank you for gathering very different people around your Son. Bless our newly baptized brother. May his testimony encourage those who are still hesitating. And may our church be worthy of the trust he has just placed in it."
Verses for a baptism prayer
These passages are often read before or after the immersion, or written in a card given to the newly baptized.
Romans 6:4
"We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life."
The text that explains the meaning of baptism: dying to the old life and walking in a new life. It is the one most read before the immersion. Read all of Romans 6.
Galatians 3:27
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
To say that the baptized person belongs to Christ. Short and easy to remember, it suits a card well. Read all of Galatians 3.
Colossians 2:12
"having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead."
Another light on immersion and resurrection with Christ, useful for explaining the act to guests. Read all of Colossians 2.
Matthew 3:17
"Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
The Father's voice at the baptism of Jesus. It can be read to recall God's affection for his children. Read all of Matthew 3.
How to prepare your prayer for a baptism
Talk to the person being baptized before the big day. The way he tells the story of his encounter with God will give you the right words for your prayer and keep you from saying something that does not match his story.
Keep a balance between joy and seriousness. A baptism is a celebration, but also a deep commitment. Your prayer can give thanks, bless and ask for perseverance all within the same minute.
Pray for the baptized person's concrete future: his spiritual growth, his relationships in the church, his challenges at work or in the family. This gives weight to your words.
Say his name. A personalized prayer is always more memorable than a general formula, and it is a beautiful gift to give on that day.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What prayer should you say before a baptism?
A short prayer that thanks God for the faith of the person being baptized, asks for his presence during the immersion and his strength for what follows. The pastor usually says it at the edge of the baptistery. The first five examples on this page are made for that.
What does baptism mean for a Christian?
It is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. The immersion represents dying to the old life and rising to a new life. It does not produce salvation, it bears witness to a decision already made.
What do you say to someone who has just been baptized?
Tell him you are happy for him, that you are praying for him and that you will be there to walk with him. A short prayer written in a card, with a verse, is a very appreciated gift.
Can you pray in place of the pastor during a baptism?
Yes, if the pastor or the leaders invite you to. Many churches invite the family or a close friend of the person being baptized to pray. Prepare your prayer in advance and keep it short to respect the flow of the service.
to take notes and ask questions.