Novena to the Holy Spirit

​For ten days, beginning on the Ascension and ending on Saturday, the eve of Pentecost. Please join us in prayer.

Novena to the Holy Spirit Thursday May 21st 11:00 am or 7:00 pm, Continuing until Saturday May 30th, 2020. FOR THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT and AN END OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

My Dear Friends in Christ,

A great urgency is being laid upon us from above to seek the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Fruit of the Holy Spirit in this time of the Covid-19 crisis in our world. In Chapter 4 of Acts of the Apostles we read that Peter and John were arrested and taken before the Council. They defended the faith, were released, and then told their story to their friends. The Believers prayed, “Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God with boldness. As we approach Pentecost let us call upon the Holy Spirit of God for healing from this Covid-19 pandemic, for an outpouring of his gifts, for signs and wonders, and for our own boldness in the faith. Let us pray together this Novena to the Holy Spirit, in the tradition of the Church, beginning on Ascension Day, Thursday May 21st and continuing until Saturday May 30th, the Vigil of Pentecost.

Although we are still not able to gather together to pray, we are able to pray together in unity. I am suggesting that those of us who are able to pray daily at 11:00 am do so, and those of us who are able to pray daily at 7:00 pm do so. Even if these two times are not good for you, pray daily for these nine consecutive days and we will be truly joined in spirit. In its original form this particular novena is based on the Fruit of the Holy Spirit and a desire for sainthood. I have retained that and added prayers regarding the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Please feel free to share it. It is not just for Catholics. A reminder that at the back of the Sunday Missal you will find several traditional prayers

Let us pray:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who has taught the hearts of the faithful by light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may be finished with this virus, always truly wise, and ever rejoicing in your consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Deacon Patrick Morris
Saint John the Apostle Parish

BEGINNING PRAYERS, TO BE RECITED DAILY:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
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, to keep me in your grace that I may never sin against you. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and of the Son to say to you always and everywhere, as did Samuel, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
O Lord Jesus Christ who, before ascending into heaven did promise 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 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, and 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.

ENDING PRAYERS, TO BE RECITED DAILY:

CONCLUDING PRAYER
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory be to the Father…
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with your heavenly fruits, your charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control and goodness, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to your inspiration I may merit to be united eternally with you in the love of the Father and of the Son. Amen.

PRAYER FOR AN END OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Gracious, Loving, and Merciful Father in Heaven, I worship you and adore you. In faith I come before you, asking for mercy and forgiveness for my sins against you and your creation. In this time of fear, anxiety and distress, I LIFT UP TO YOU THE COVID-19 SITUATION throughout the world. Father, I beg you to halt the spread of this disease and to grant healing and comfort to all those afflicted by it. Please cover everyone with your Holy Spirit and protect all of us, especially the vulnerable and those in the medical fields from infection and harm. Lord Jesus, I beseech you to grace our leaders and health care providers with the wisdom and knowledge to combat the spread of COVID 19, and to find the cure for it. Holy Spirit, please breathe peace and new life into every person throughout the world. May you grace us with a strong sense of social responsibility to do what is necessary, and to be prudent and considerate in our actions. Bless and inspire all people to work together as one family of God, to be compassionate to one another, and to love one another as Jesus has loved us. Most Holy Trinity, I believe in you and I place all my hope in you. You are my strength and my shield. I trust in you. By your love we are helped, and our hearts exult. I give thanks, glory, honour and all praise to you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Day 1 – Charity
Beginning Prayers, then:


Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate. Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Charity within us. The great charity of all the host of Saints is only made possible by your power, Oh Divine Spirit. Increase in me, the virtue of charity that I may love as God loves with the selflessness of the Saints. Amen. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be finished with this virus, truly wise and ever enjoy Your consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Ending Prayers

Day 2 – Joy
Beginning Prayers, then:

Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate. Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’
name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Joy within us. All of the Saints are marked with an uncompromisable Joy in times of trial, difficulty and pain. Give us, Oh Holy Spirit, the Joy that surpasses all understanding that we may live as a witness to Your love and fidelity! Amen. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be finished with this virus, truly wise and ever enjoy Your consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Ending Prayers

Day 3 – Peace
Beginning Prayers, then:

Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate. Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Peace within us. The Saints were tempted, attacked and accused by the devil who is the destroyer of peace. When we are accused by the devil, come to our aid as our Advocate and give us Peace that lasts through all trials! Amen. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be finished with this virus, truly wise and ever enjoy Your consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Ending Prayers

Day 4 – Patience
Beginning Prayers, then:

Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate. Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Patience within us. Oh Holy Spirit, you give lavishly to those who ask. Please give us the patience of the Saints who are now with you in heaven. Help us to endure everything with an eternal patience that is only possible with your help. Amen. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be finished with this virus, truly wise and ever enjoy Your consolations, through Christ
Our Lord, Amen.
Ending Prayers

Day 5 – Kindness
Beginning Prayers, then:

Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate. Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’
name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Kindness within us. Jesus approached sinners with immense kindness. Holy Paraclete, please treat us humble sinners with the same kindness and give us the ability to treat all others with that kindness as well. Amen. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be finished with this virus, truly wise and ever enjoy Your consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Ending Prayers

Day 6 – Faithfulness
Beginning Prayers, then:

Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servantJesus.

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate. Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Faithfulness within us. You, oh Lord, are ever faithful. You are faithful until the end. Though we are weak and distracted, please give us the grace to be faithful to You
as you are to us! Amen. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be finished with this virus, truly wise and ever enjoy Your consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Ending Prayers

Day 7 – Gentleness
Beginning Prayers, then:

Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate. Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Gentleness within us. Despite the gravity of our sins, oh Lord you treat us with Gentleness. Dear Holy Spirit, give us your power to treat all in our lives with the Gentleness of the Saints. Amen. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be finished with this virus, truly wise and ever enjoy Your consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Ending Prayers

Day 8 – Self-Control
Beginning Prayers, then:

Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate. Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Self-Control within us. Your Martyrs had the overwhelming self-control to go joyfully to a painful death without shrinking from the opportunity to join You in heaven. Give
us this self-control to have command over our emotions and desires that we may serve You more fully. Amen. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be finished with this virus, truly wise and ever enjoy Your consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Ending Prayers

Day 9 – Goodness
Beginning Prayers, then:

Lord… grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate. Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’
name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Goodness within us. We want to be like your Saints in heaven. Holy Spirit, renew us by your power with your Goodness that we may bring the Good News to the world. Amen. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be finished with this virus, truly wise and ever enjoy Your consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Ending Prayers