Three prayers for a baptism: before the ceremony, for the person committing to Christ, and to thank God for the new life he gives.
Pick a categoryThis page is for the person who is about to be baptized, for their family and for the church around them. Baptism is the public sign of a life given to Jesus Christ. These prayers can be said before the ceremony, for the person being baptized, or afterward, to give thanks. They rest on the Word of God.
Lord, I am about to be baptized and my heart is full of joy and emotion. I want to declare before everyone that I belong to Jesus. You forgave me, you welcomed me, you gave me a new life. I want to walk with you every day. Give me peace for this moment, take away shyness and the fear of other people's eyes. May this baptism be a true beginning, not only a ceremony. May your presence be felt by everyone who is there. In Jesus' name, amen.
Romans 6:4
Father, I pray for the person who is about to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. You know their story, their doubts and their hopes. Strengthen their faith, keep them in your grace and let them grow in your Word. Surround them with a faithful community that helps them persevere. When difficulties come, remind them that they are yours. Help me also to support them with my prayer and my friendship. I place their path in your hands, with confidence. In Jesus' name, amen.
Matthew 28:19
Lord, thank you for this baptism. Thank you that my sins are forgiven through the cross of Jesus and that I have been raised with him to a new life. I am your child, and I thank you for it. Thank you for my brothers and sisters who surrounded me and prayed. Help me live what I have declared: reading your Word, praying, loving, serving. When I stumble, bring me back to you. Give me your Spirit to walk in the light. To you be the glory for what you are doing in me. Amen.
Galatians 3:27
« Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. »
Romans 6:4
I proclaim that I was buried with Christ through baptism into death, and just as he was raised from the dead, I now walk in newness of life.
« For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. »
Galatians 3:27
I declare that having been baptized into Christ, I have put on Christ. His identity now clothes my life.
« Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. »
Acts 2:38
I proclaim repentance and the remission of my sins through baptism, and I receive the gift of the Holy Spirit that was promised to me.
« Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. »
Colossians 2:12
I declare that I was buried with Christ in baptism, and I was raised with him through faith in the working of God who raised him from the dead.
« There is also an antitype which now saves us: baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. »
1 Peter 3:21
I proclaim that my baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God, saving me through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Thank God for his forgiveness, tell him you want to follow Jesus and ask for his peace for the ceremony. There is no required formula: the Bible stresses sincere faith in Christ (Acts 8:36-38). A short, honest prayer is better than a memorized text.
Baptism is the public sign of faith in Jesus Christ: we are immersed in water as Christ was laid in the tomb, then raised to a new life (Romans 6:3-4). It does not save by itself, for salvation comes by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), but it is an act of obedience and testimony.
Pray that their faith will be strengthened, that they will persevere and that a community will surround them. Jesus himself was baptized and received the Father's approval (Matthew 3:16-17). You can also send a word of encouragement with a verse, and stay present after the ceremony.