Friar’s Corner: Holy Spirit Novena
Acts 1:12-14; Psalm 27:1, 7-8; 1 Peter 4:13-16; John 17:1-11a OR Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20
Are you ready for a new Pentecostal Fire? Last week I shared with you the major work of God, the Holy Spirit, that Jesus told his closest followers about at the Last Supper. At the Ascension forty days after his Resurrection, Jesus commanded them to remain in the city until they would receive POWER from on high. This is the only novena, 9 days of prayer, that we find in Scripture. Here I give you two short prayers to the Holy Spirit as you grow in your faith.
Next week we shall look at more beautiful ways that the Holy Spirit blesses us as we pray the Pentecost Sequence. Here is a way Cardinal Mercier guides us for further growth.
The Secret of Sanctity
“I am going to reveal to you a secret of sanctity and happiness. If every day during given minutes, you will keep your imagination quiet, shut your eyes to all the things of sense, and close your ears to all the sounds of earth, so as to be able to withdraw into the sanctuary of your baptized soul, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit, saying:
‘ O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore you. Enlighten, guide, strengthen, and console me, Tell me what I ought to do and give me the graces to do it. I promise to be submissive in everything that you permit to happen to me, only show me what is your will.”
Cardinal Mercier said that “If you do this, your life will pass happily and serenely. Consolation will abound even in the midst of troubles. Grace will be given in proportion to the trial as well as strength to bear it, bringing you to the gates of paradise full of merit. This submission to the Holy Spirit is the Secret of Sanctity.”
Since most of us received the Holy Spirit at Baptism after our birth, our parents made a commitment for us. As adults, we need to activate our personal commitment to Jesus and our faith. This is an ancient prayer asking the Holy Spirit to increase his graces in us.
Come, Holy Spirit
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and increase in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and I shall be recreated and you will renew the face of the earth.”
Let us pray: “O God, who did instruct the hearts of Your faithful by the Light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the same Spirit I may be truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation. I ask this through Christ our Lord.” Amen.
Dear Jesus, as you have baptized me in your Holy Spirit, may he remind me of all of your Truth that I may be a more effective witness in my world, of the wonders of your love for all of us. Thank you for all that you have done for us.
Have a blessed week as we continue to pray for greater empowerment of your grace on Pentecost this year. If you would like nine short teachings about the Holy Spirit email me in what format you would like to receive them.
Have a safe and blessed novena,
+ Father Bob Hilz
fbhilz@gmail.com
(© 2020 Father Bob Hilz, TOR)
