Wednesday, May 08, 2002 3:28 PM
Novena to the Holy Spirit
This Novena was first sent to this list in 1999 and was provided by Margaret Gilmore..
Novena to the Holy Spirit, Ascension Thursday – Pentecost
The nine days between the Feast of the Ascension and the Feast of Pentecost are special days of prayer as they are the only novena of Scriptural derivation. This was the very first ‘novena’ (nine days of prayer) as the apostles and the Blessed Mother waited in prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit as Jesus had promised. Today these days are a time to pray especially for the deepening of the Holy Spirit within our hearts as individuals and as a parish family.
Begin with the day after Ascension Thursday (May 9) and end with Saturday before Pentecost (May 18).
Opening Prayer Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and enkindle in us the fire of your love! Send forth your spirit and we shall be created; and you shall renew the face of the earth! Let us pray: O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, instructs the hearts of the faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in your consolation, through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Below are suggested readings for each of the nine days that will enhance our understanding of the many gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit:
- Comforter John 16: 5-15
- Peacemaker John 14: 25-31
- Root of Virtues Galatians 5: 16-26
- Bestower of Gifts 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11
- Bond of Unity 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27
- Fountain of Faith 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16
- Cause of Holiness Romans 8: 1-17
- Soul of Ministry 2 Corinthians 3:4-18
- Source of Love 1 Corinthians 12: 31 – 13: 1-13
Lord, may the power of the Holy Spirit be in us to cleanse our hearts and to keep us safe from all harm. Renew in us the grace of our Confirmation and prepare us for your presence and power on the feast of Pentecost. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMen.
