Prayers to the Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart with Your holy gifts. Let my weakness be penetrated with Your strength this very day that I may fulfill all the duties of my state conscientiously ,that I may do what is right and just. Let my charity be such as to offend no one, and hurt no one's feelings ; so generous as to pardon sincerely any wrong done to me.

Assist me , O Holy Spirit , in all my trials of life, enlighten me in my ignorance, advise me in my doubts, strengthen me in my weakness, help me in all my needs, protect me in temptations and console me in afflictions.

Graciously hear me, O Holy Spirit and pour Your light into my heart, mind, and soul. Assist me to live a holy life and to grow in goodness and grace. Amen.

O Lord Jesus, through You I humbly beg the merciful Father to send the Holy Spirit of grace, that He may bestow upon us his sevenfold gifts.
May He send us the gift of wisdom, which will make us relish the Tree of Life that is none other than Yourself; the gift of understanding, which will enlighten us; the gift of counsel, which will guide us in the way of righteousness; and the gift of fortitude, which will give us the strength to vanquish the enemies of our sanctification and salvation.
May He impart to us the gift of knowledge, which will enable us to discern your teaching and distinguish good from evil; the gift of piety, which will make us enjoy true peace; and the gift of fear, which will make us shun all iniquity and avoid all danger of offending your Majesty.
To the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit be given all glory and thanksgiving forever. Amen.

Heavenly Father, You have called me to be a member of the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and to be a temple of the Holy Spirit. In Your goodness, grant unto me the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, that I may understand the follies of this life; understanding, that I may grasp more fully the meaning of my existence and the purpose of all things in the world; counsel, that I may always choose the proper way; fortitude, that I may remain faithful to You under the pressure of temptation; knowledge, that I may always be aware of the ways of God; piety, that I may revere You in all I do, think, or say; fear of the Lord, if the motive of love should fail me, that I may be quickly awakened to the eternal consequences of my deeds. Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who before ascending into heaven promised to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your apostles and disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me, that He may perfect in my soul the work of Your grace and Your love.

Grant me the gift of wisdom, that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the gift of understanding, to enlighten my mind with the light of Your Divine Truth; the gift of counsel, that I may ever choose the surest ways of pleasing God and gaining heaven; the gift of fortitude, that I may bear my cross with You and may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation; the gift of knowledge, that I may know God and know myself, and grow perfect in the science of the saints; the gift of piety, that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable; the spirit of fear, that I may be filled with a loving reverence toward God, and may dread in any way to displease Him.

Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

Holy Spirit, eternal Love of the Father and the Son, kindly bestow on us the fruit of charity, that we may be united to You by divine love;
the fruit of joy, that we may be filled with holy consolation;
the fruit of peace, that we may enjoy tranquility of soul;
and the fruit of patience, that we may endure humbly everything
that may be opposed to our own desires.
Divine Spirit, be pleased to infuse in us the fruit of benignity, that we may willingly relieve our neighbor's necessities;
the fruit of goodness, that we may be benevolent toward all;
the fruit of longanimity, that we may not be discouraged by delay but may persevere in prayer;
and the fruit of mildness, that we may subdue every rising of ill temper, stifle every murmur, and repress the susceptibilities of our nature in all our dealings with our neighbor.
Creator Spirit, graciously impart to us the fruit of fidelity,
that we may rely with assured confidence on the Word of God;
the fruit of modesty, that we may order our exterior regularly;
and the fruits of continence and chastity, that we may keep our bodies in such holiness as befits your temple, so that having by your assistance preserved our hearts pure on earth, we may merit in Jesus Christ, according to the words of the Gospel, to see God eternally in the glory of his kingdom. Amen.

Prayer for Union with the Holy Spirit

O Holy Spirit of Light and Love, to You I consecrate my heart, mind, and will for time and eternity. May I be ever docile to your divine inspirations and to the teachings of the holy Catholic Church whose infallible guide You are.
May my heart be ever inflamed with the love of God and love of neighbor.
May my will be ever in harmony with your divine Will.
May my life faithfully imitate the life and virtues of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him, with the Father, and You, divine Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

Holy Spirit, powerful Consoler, sacred Bond of the Father and the Son, Hope of the afflicted, descend into my heart and establish in it your loving dominion. Enkindle in my tepid soul the fire of your Love so that I may be wholly subject to You.
We believe that when You dwell in us, You also prepare a dwelling
for the Father and the Son. Deign, therefore, to come to me,
Consoler of abandoned souls, and Protector of the needy.
Help the afflicted, strengthen the weak, and support the wavering.
Come and purify me. Let no evil desire take possession of me.
You love the humble and resist the proud.
Come to me, glory of the living, and hope of the dying.
Lead me by your grace that I may always be pleasing to You. Amen.

Holy Mother, ask the Eternal Father in Jesus’ Name
to send the Holy Spirit to me. Beseech your beloved
Spouse to come to me and to abide with me always and forever.

II

V/. Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
R/. And kindle in them the fire of your love.
V/. Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and they shall be created.
R/. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray,
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct
the hearts of your faithful; grant that in the same Spirit,
we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation.
Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

V/. For Thy holy gift of Knowledge,
R/. We pray O Lord.
Say 1 Our Father – 1 Hail Mary – 1 Glory Be

V/. For Thy holy gift of Understanding
R/. We pray O Lord.
Say 1 Our Father – 1 Hail Mary – 1 Glory Be

V/. For Thy holy gift of Wisdom,
R/. We pray O Lord.
Say 1 Our Father – 1 Hail Mary – 1 Glory Be

V/. For Thy holy gift of Counsel
R/. We pray O Lord.
Say 1 Our Father – 1 Hail Mary – 1 Glory Be

V/. For Thy holy gift of Fortitude.
R/. We pray O Lord.
Say 1 Our Father – 1 Hail Mary – 1 Glory Be

V/. For Thy holy gift of Piety,
R/. We pray O Lord.
Say 1 Our Father – 1 Hail Mary – 1 Glory Be

V/. For Thy holy gift of a Holy Fear of God.
R/. We pray O Lord.
Say 1 Our Father – 1 Hail Mary – 1 Glory Be

V/. Come, Holy Spirit, come dispel the darkness of pride
with the Light of Faith.
R/. Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come, Holy Spirit, come dispel the darkness of
lust with the Light of Hope.
R/. Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come, Holy Spirit, come dispel the darkness
of avarice with the Light of Charity.
R/. Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come, Holy Spirit, come dispel the darkness of anger
with the Light of Prudence.
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come, Holy Spirit, come dispel the darkness
of sloth with the Light of Fortitude.
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come, Holy Spirit, come dispel the darkness
of envy with the Light of Justice.
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come, Holy Spirit, come dispel the darkness
of gluttony with the Light of Temperance.
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come, Holy Spirit, come dispel the darkness
of idolatry with the Light of Silence.
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come, Holy Spirit, come dispel the darkness
of egoism with the Light of Humility.
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come, Holy Spirit, come dispel the darkness
of impurity with the Light of Purity.
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come, Holy Spirit, come dispel the darkness
of hatred with the Light of Mercy.
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of True Faith, and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Divine Love, and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Divine Mercy, and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Prayer, and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Fasting, and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Reconciliation, and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Peace, and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Kindness and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Goodness and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Mildness and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Continence and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Modesty and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Chastity and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Poverty and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Obedience and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Fidelity and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Longanimity and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Patience and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

V/. Come Spirit of Joy and fill the hearts of your faithful
R./ Come, Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful
Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your well beloved spouse.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful;
Fill them with enduring love;
Bring to perfection in me the image and likeness of Christ;
Remind me of all that Jesus said and did;
Instruct me in everything; Bring me unto all truth.
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and Life.
You are the Word of Eternal Life, made me holy in the truth.

Come, O Spirit of Love; O Fire of Love,
Purify my heart, mind, and soul; Sanctify all I think, say, and do;
And bestow on me in plentitude thy holy gifts.
May I always and only give thanks, and praise,
and glory to you, my Lord and my God.

The Chaplet of the Holy Ghost was composed in 1892 by a Franciscan Capuchin missionary of the English province in order to give the faithful an easy means of honoring the Holy Ghost. It was approved by Pope Leo XIII in 1902. It is intended to be in regard to the Holy Ghost what the Dominican Rosary is in regard to the Blessed Virgin.

This rosary consists of 5 groups of 7 beads each. Before and after each group there are 2 large beads, that is, 12 large beads in all. In addition there are 3 small beads at the beginning.

On these three beads one makes the sign of the Cross, recites an act of contrition and the hymn Come Holy Ghost.

In each group the Glory be is said on the 7 small beads, an Our Father and a Haily Mary on the 2 large beads. On the remaining 2 large beads are said the Apostles Creed and an Our Father and Hail Mary for the intention of the Holy Father.

There is a mystery for each of the 5 groups; the number 5 commemorating the Five Wounds of Jesus which are the fountains of grace which the Holy Ghost imparts to all men. The reflections suggested are as follows:

THE FIRST MYSTERY By the Holy Ghost is Jesus conceived of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Meditation: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the Power of the Most High shall overshadow thee; and therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke, I, 35) The Practice: Diligently implore the aid of the Divine Spirit, and Mary's intercession, to imitate the virtues of Jesus Christ, Who is the Model of virtues, so that you may be made comformable to the image of the Son of God.

THE SECOND MYSTERY The Spirit of the Lord rested upon Jesus when he was baptized. The Meditation: "Jesus, being baptized, forthwith came out of the water: and lo! the heavens were opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him." (Matthew, III, 16) The Practice: Hold in the highest esteem the priceless gift of sanctifying grace, infused into your soul by the Holy Ghost in Baptism. Keep the promises to which you then pledged yourself. Increase, by constant practice, Faith, Hope, and Charity. Ever live as becometh children of God and members of God's true Church, so as to obtain, hereafter, the inheritance of heaven.

THE THIRD MYSTERY By the Spirit is Jesus led into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. The Meditation: "Jesus, being full of the Holy ghost, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the desert for the space of forty days; and was tempted by the devil." (Luke, IV, 1-2) The Practice: Be ever grateful for the sevenfold gift of the Holy Ghost bestowed upon you in Confirmation, for the spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and fortitude, of knowledge and piety, and of the fear of the Lord. Faithfully yield to His Divine guidance, so that, in all the trials and temptations of life, you may act manfully, as becometh a perfect Christian and valiant soldier of Jesus Christ.

THE FOURTH MYSTERY The Holy Ghost in the Church. The Meditation: "Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house wehre they were sitting....and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak....the wonderful works of God." (Acts, II, 2, 4, 11.) The Practice: Thank God for having made you a child of His Church which is ever animated and directed by the Divine Spirit, sent into this world for that purpose of the day of Pentecost. Hear and obey the Holy See, the infallible mouthpiece of the Holy Ghost, and the Church, the pillar and ground of truth. Uphold her doctrines, seek her interests, defend her rights.

THE FIFTH MYSTERY The Holy Ghost in the soul of the just man and just woman. The Meditation: "Know you not that you members are the temple of the Holy Ghost, Who is in you?" (I Cor., VI, 19.) "Extinguish not the Spirit." (I Thess., V, 19.) "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption." (Eph., IV, 30.) The Practice: Be evver mindful of the Holy Ghost Who is within you, and carefully cultivate purity of soul and body. Faithfully obey His Divine Inspirations so taht you may bring forth the Fruits of the Spirit -- Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Eenignity, Goodness, Long-suffering, Mildness, Faith, Modesty, Continency, Chastity. Conclude with the "I believe" as a profession of faith.

Say finally one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father, for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff.

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Father, all powerful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.
Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both,
sanctify us.
Holy Trinity, hear us.
Holy Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son,
enter our hearts.
Holy Ghost, Who are equal to the Father and the Son,
enter our hearts.
Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us.
Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us.
Author of all good, have mercy on us.
Source of heavenly water, have mercy on us.
Consuming fire, have mercy on us.
Ardent Charity, have mercy on us.
Spiritual unction, have mercy on us.
Spirit of love and truth, have mercy on us.
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us.
Spirit of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us.
Spirit of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us.
Spirit of grace and prayer, have mercy on us.
Spirit of peace and meekness, have mercy on us.
Spirit of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us.
Holy Ghost, the Comforter, have mercy on us.
Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us.
Holy Ghost, Who governest the Church, have mercy on us.
Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us.
Spirit Who fillest the universe, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us.
Holy Ghost, inspire us with horror of sin.
Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth.
Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls.
Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts.
Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy Love.
Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces.
Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well.
Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.
Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation.
Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge.
Holy Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good.
Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues.
Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice.
Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
send us Thy Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety.

V. Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful.
R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy Love.

Let us pray:
Grant, O merciful Fathers, that Thy Divine Spirit enlighten, inflame, and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works; through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen.

O Holy Spirit, You are the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity! You are the Spirit of truth, love, and holiness, proceeding from the Father and the Son, and equal to Them in all things! I adore You and love You with all my heart. Teach me to know and to seek God, by Whom and for Whom I was created. Fill my heart with a holy fear and a great love of Him. Give me compunction and patience, and do not let me fall into sin.

Increase faith, hope, and charity in me and bring forth in me all the virtues proper to my state of life. Help me to grow in the four cardinal virtues, Your seven gifts and Your twelve fruits.

Make me a faithful follower of Jesus, an obedient child of the Church and a help to my neighbor. Give me the grace to keep the commandments and to receive the sacraments worthily. Raise me to holiness in the state of life to which You have called me, and lead me through a happy death to everlasting life. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

Grant me also, O Holy Spirit, Giver of all good gifts, the special favor for which I ask (name it), if it be for Your honor and glory and for my well-being.

O Holy Ghost, divine Spirit of light and love, I consecrate to Thee my understanding, my heart and my will, my whole being, for time and eternity. May my understanding be always submissive to Thy heavenly inspirations and the teachings of the Catholic Church, of which Thou art the Infallible Guide. May my heart be ever inflamed with love of God and of my neighbor. May my will be ever conformed to the Divine Will, and may my whole life be a faithful imitation of the life and virtues of our Lord and Savious, Jesus Christ, to Who, with the Father and Thee, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.

On my knees before the great cloud of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself body and soul to Thee, eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Thy purity, the unerring keenness of Thy justice, and the might of Thy love. Thou art the strength and light of my soul. In Thee I live and move and have my being. I desire never to grieve Thee by unfaithfulness to grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against Thee. Make me faithful in every thought, and grant that I may always listen to Thy voice, watch for Thy light, and follow Thy gracious inspirations. I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee, and I ask Thee by Thy compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced feet of Jesus, looking at His five wounds, trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened side and stricken Heart, I implore Thee, adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me in Thy grace that I may never sin against Thee with the sin which Thou wilt not forgive. Grant to me the grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and of the Son, to say to Thee always and everywhere, "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant hears." Amen.

Come, Holy Spirit, and visit our hearts with Your power. Fill with grace, friendly Guest, the hearts which You have created. You are called the Consoler, gift from the Hand of God, Source of life, light, love, and flame, highest good. You are the pledge of sevenfold grace, finger of the Father's Hand, promised to us by Him. You enabled our tongues to speak the truth, cast light on our senses, pour love into our hearts.

Grant to our weak bodies the strength that they may never grow weary of doing good. Keep the enemy far from us; give us peace always; let us willingly follow in Your footsteps that we may be far removed from sin. Grant that through You we may grow in knowledge of the Father and of the Son, and that we may ever strongly believe in You, the Spirit of both. Amen.

Novena Of The Holy Spirit
by St. Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

Who are You, sweet Light, that fills me
And illumines the darkness of my heart?
You lead me like a mother's hand,
And should You let go of me,
I would not know how to take another step.
You are the space
That embraces my being and buries it in Yourself.
Away from You it sinks into the abyss
Of nothingness, from which You raised it to the light.
You, nearer to me than I to myself
And more interior than my most interior
And still impalpable and intangible
And beyond any name:
Holy Spirit eternal love!

Are You not the sweet manna
That from the Son's heart
Overflows into my heart,
The food of angels and the blessed?
He Who raised Himself from death to life,
He has also awakened me to new life
From the sleep of death.
And He gives me new life from day to day,
And at some time His fullness is to stream through me,
Life of Your life indeed, You Yourself:
Holy Spirit eternal life!

Are you the ray
That flashes down from the eternal Judge's throne
And breaks into the night of the soul
That had never known itself?
Mercifully relentlessly
It penetrates hidden folds.
Alarmed at seeing itself,
The self makes space for holy fear,
The beginning of that wisdom
That comes from on high
And anchors us firmly in the heights,
Your action,
That creates us anew:
Holy Spirit ray that penetrates everything!

Are You the Spirit's fullness and the power
By which the Lamb releases the seal
Of God's eternal decree?
Driven by You
The messengers of judgment ride through the world
And separate with a sharp sword
The kingdom of light from the kingdom of night.
Then heaven becomes new and new the earth,
And all finds its proper place
Through your breath:
Holy Spirit victorious power!

Are You the master Who builds the eternal cathedral,
Which towers from the earth through the heavens?
Animated by You, the columns are raised high
And stand immovably firm.
Marked with the eternal name of God,
They stretch up to the light,
Bearing the dome,
Which crowns the holy cathedral,
Your work that encircles the world:
Holy Spirit God's molding hand!

Are You the one who created the unclouded mirror
Next to the Almighty's throne,
Like a crystal sea,
In which Divinity lovingly looks at itself?
You bend over the fairest work of Your creation,
And radiantly Your own gaze
Is illumined in return.
And of all creatures the pure beauty
Is joined in one in the dear form
Of the Virgin, Your immaculate bride:
Holy Spirit Creator of all!

Are You the sweet song of love
And of holy awe
That eternally resounds around the triune throne,
That weds in itself the clear chimes of each and every being?
The harmony,
That joins together the members to the Head,
In which each One
Finds the mysterious meaning of Hhis being blessed
And joyously surges forth,
Freely dissolved in Your surging:
Holy Spirit eternal jubilation!

Holy Spirit, we ask for an outpouring of your graces, blessings and gifts, upon those who do not believe, that they may believe; Upon those who are doubtful or confused, that they may understand; Upon those who are lukewarm or indifferent, that they may be transformed; Upon those who are constantly living in the state of sin, that they may be converted; Upon those who are weak, that they may be strengthened; Upon those who are holy, that they may persevere. Amen.

The novena in honor of the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light and listen to Your voice and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Ghost to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal / the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth / the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven / the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation / the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints / the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable / the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!

Only one thing is important — eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared — sin. Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us."

Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

Come, Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!

The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls."

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow.

The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.

By the gift of Fortitude, the soul is strengthened against natural fear and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to undertake without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample underfoot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill!

The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth— in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it."

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay; All his good is turn'd to ill.

Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Ghost, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion. By faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

Heal our wounds— our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away.

The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must be done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long.

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen, warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of Wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light."

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen.

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen.

The gifts of the Holy Ghost perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Ghost, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Ghost. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.

Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

I belong to several webrings, all of which have the intention of being a positive contributor to the internet; and, they contain websites who support the webmasters' ideals. However, occasionally there will be a website that will sneak into a webring and subsequently change their substance to more objectionable material. If you discover one of these sites by visiting one of the webrings I have joined, I would appreciate you emailing me with the URL of the site and the name of the webring it belongs to, so that I may pursue either my association with the webring, or the other website's association. For the most part, I believe webrings are marvelous tools for assisting web-surfers in finding information about the subjects they are interested in! I hope you enjoy all these wonderful rings of love!

		The Life-Changer: How You Can Experience Freedom, Power, and Refreshment in the Holy Spirit
		Veni Creator Spiritus: A Theological Encyclopedia of the Holy Spirit (Reference Works)