novena7

I. Opening Prayers
All: In the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

All: Come, Holy Spirit, inflame the hearts of all people with the fire of your love.

Leader: Send forth your Spirit that all may be reborn.

All: And you will renew the face of the earth.

Leader: We beg you, Lord, to send the Holy Spirit upon us so that, inspired and encouraged, we may fulfill the duties that are ours, to carry our cross with patience and to grow daily in Christian perfection. Grant us through the same Holy Spirit, the intentions of this novena, or whatever is best for us and for all God's people. Amen.

II. Scripture Reading - 1 John 4:12-16

No one has ever seen God; but as long as we love one another God will live in us and his love will be complete in us. We can know that we are living in him and he is living in us because he lets us share his Spirit. We ourselves saw and we testify that the Father sent his Son as saviour of the world. Those who acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. God is love and those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.

The gift of Reverence inspires us to a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect all people and all things created by him. We love them because he loves them - his Blessed Mother, our parents, and our leaders because in a way they represent him. Whoever is filled with the gift of Reverence finds the practice of his religion not a burdensome duty but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labour. "Those who love me keep my commandments."

O Lord Jesus Christ, before ascending into heaven you promised to send the Holy Spirit to finish your work in the souls of your Apostles and Disciples. Grant that I may be open to the work of that same Spirit within me.

Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom
that I may not be attached to the perishable things of this world but seek the things that are eternal.

Grant me the Spirit of Understanding
to enlighten my mind with the light of your divine truth.

Grant me the Spirit of Right Judgment
that I may choose the surest way of pleasing God.

Grant me the Spirit of Courage
that I may bear my cross with you and that I may overcome all the obstacles that oppose my salvation.

Grant me the Spirit of Knowledge
that I may know God and know myself.

Grant me the Spirit of Reverence
that I may find the service of God sweet and attractive.

Grant me the Spirit of Wonder and Awe
that I may be filled with loving reverence towards God and may avoid anything that would displease him.

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

Amen

V. Final Prayer

O, Mary, by your humble obedience to the will of God and through the power of the Holy Spirit, you gave us the child Jesus. Help us to prepare our hearts so that we may receive and welcome the Holy Spirit and strive always to do what God asks. Grant this through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

Come Holy Ghost

Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest,
And in our Hearts take up your rest,
Come with your grace and
Heavenly Aid,
To fill the hearts which you have made.

O Comforter, to You we cry,
The Heavenly gift of God most high,
The fount of life and fire of love
And sweet anointing from above.

Holy Spirit, Lord of Light

Holy Spirit, Lord of light,
From Thy clear celestial height,
Thy pure beaming radiance give.

Come, thou father of the poor!
Come, with treasures which endure!
Come, thou light of all that live!

Thou on those who evermore,
Thee confess and Thee adore,
In Thy sevenfold gifts descend

Give them comfort when they die;
Give them life with Thee on high;
Give them joys which never end.