Holy Spirit Novena into Pentecost

Got several emails (and comment requests) from people asking me to post a novena to the Holy Spirit, in anticipation of Pentecost.

I’ve never done one of these before, but it makes a lot of sense. Pentecost Sunday is 9 days from Ascension Thursday (10 counting Thursday, 9 from today) – a perfect opportunity to take a few minutes, each day, to be mindful of the Holy Spirit, the power, gifts and meaning of the Third Person of the Triune God, and to ask for the Spirit’s guidance; the novena ends on the day of Pentecost. Use the novena as a means of gathering and focusing intention for your appeal, and broadening your openness.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel (Right Judgment). Fortitude (Courage), Knowledge, Piety (Reverence) and Fear of the Lord (Awe of God). Particularly if you are seeking out one of these gifts for yourself, or praying that they bestowed upon another, the Novena gives you a chance to really keep your prayer before you (and before the Spirit). And of course, Jesus told us throughout the Gospel that what we ask for in His name, we will be given, reminding us in John:

If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.

This is very true. So, be careful what you ask for, because God takes you at your word. All the more reason why we should take him at his. I am going to pray especially for what Solomon prayed for, an Understanding Heart. Can never have enough of that.

Via the invaluable New Advent.com, I found a link to a printable version of the Novena to the Holy Spirit, over at Conversion Diary. Jen says she prayed the novena last year and found it very powerful; it does look good.

Related: Patrick O’ Hannigan has a milk & honey moment.

Happy Catholic reminds us about Voting for Cannonball Awards. I am nominated here. Last time I checked, I was losing.