Preparing for Pentecost:
​A Novena to the Holy Spirit

​ Introduction
Following the Ascension of Our Lord, tradition says that the disciples gathered in the upper room together with Our Blessed Mother for the first novena, nine days of prayer in anticipation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Today, as disciples of Jesus, we too join together in prayer for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our dioceses, our parishes, our faith communities, our families, and in ourselves. We need of the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses of the love of God for our world.

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Begin each prayer session with an opening song; e.g., Come Holy Spirit; Spirit of the Living God; Veni Sancte Spiritus.  After each Scripture verse reading, take a few minutes for silent reflection.
 
First Day (Friday, May 10)
Opening Prayer:  Father, you have given us eternal life through Jesus Christ Your Son whom You raised from the dead and now sits at Your right hand. When Jesus, who is our life, comes, then we shall reign with Him in glory. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture:  Read Ezekiel 36:26-28: “I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, …”
Response:  O God, cleanse me of all my impurities. Open my heart that I may feel your Spirit within me. Guide me in your ways.
Closing Prayer (same each day): 
  Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
Come among us as wind and fire and ignite our lives with renewed faith.
Help us grow in the life of grace and reflect your presence in our lives.
                Give us courage and faith to use our gifts in the service of the church and your people.
                Enable our parishes, our families, and our communities to respond to the challenge of the Gospel.
Bless the young, support the old, sustain all those who minister to your people.
Be the wind and fire that brings new life to your church and open our minds and hearts to your presence among us.
May our prayer help us embrace the call you give us to be holy people in the service of God and one another. Amen.
 
Second Day (Saturday, May 11)
Opening Prayer:  Father, at Your Son's ascension into heaven He promised to send the Holy Spirit on the apostles and all Christian believers. You filled them with love, grace, and heavenly wisdom: fill us also with the gift of your Spirit. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.
Scripture:  Read Joel 3:1-2:  ``I will pour out my spirit upon all mankind…”
Response:  Pour out your Spirit upon me, O God, as you promised of old. May my eyes see the mighty works you work upon the earth.
Closing Prayer

Third Day (Sunday, May 12)
Opening Prayer:  Father, Your Son has saved us through His death on the cross and by His rising from the dead. May His presence in us lead us to Your truth and the unfolding of the beauty of Your love. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture:  Read John 14:23-26:  ``Jesus said, `Anyone who loves me…”
Response:  Enlighten me through your Spirit, O God, and teach me your truths, that I may live and move in your peace, free from all fear and distress.
Closing Prayer

Fourth Day (Monday, May 13)
Opening Prayer:  Lord, send the power of Your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may remain faithful and do Your will in our daily lives. Grace us with the fullness of Your Spirit, that we might have life, and have it abundantly. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture:  Read John 3:3-8:  ``Jesus said to Nicodemus, …”
Response:  You came with signs and wonders through your Son, O God. Open my eyes to see your glory upon the earth and may I enter rejoicing into your presence.
Closing Prayer
 
Fifth Day (Tuesday, May 14)
Opening Prayer:  God of power and mercy, send Your Holy Spirit to live in our hearts and make us temples of His glory. In our baptism we died in Christ, now allow us to live life anew in Him. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture:  Read Romans 8:11:  ``If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, …”
Response:  Bring my mortal body to life O God, by that same Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead, for I belong to you.
Closing Prayer
 
Sixth Day (Wednesday, May 15)
Opening Prayer:  God of mercy, unite Your church in the Holy Spirit, that we may serve You with all our hearts and work together with unselfish love. Allow each of us to recognize the gifts You have given our fellow servants that we may glorify You. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture:  Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11:  ``There are different gifts but the same Spirit; …”
Response:  Accomplish your work in me, O God, that the many gifts you have given me through your Holy Spirit may lift up your people and bring glory to you.
Closing Prayer
 
Seventh Day (Thursday, May 16)
Opening Prayer:  Lord, renew us by the Sacraments we have received. Help us to know You; prepare us for the gifts of the Spirit; then complete that good work You have begun in us by filling us with Your Holy Spirit. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture:  Read John 14:15-17:  ``Jesus said, `If you love me and obey the commands I give you, …”
Response:  Holy Spirit, remain with me always. Dwell within me and teach me to love God above all else and to delight in God's promises.
Closing Prayer
 
Eighth Day (Friday, May 17)
Opening Prayer:  Father, in glorifying Christ and sending us your Spirit, you open the way to eternal life. May our sharing in this gift increase our love and make our faith grow stronger. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture:  Read Acts 1:4-5, 8:  ``On one occasion when Jesus met with the apostles, …”
Response:  Fulfill your promises to me, O God. Renew your Holy Spirit within me that I may be a witness of your power to all the world.
Closing Prayer
 
Ninth Day (Saturday, May 19)
Opening Prayer:  Father of mercy, hear our prayers, that we may leave our former selves behind and serve You with holy and renewed hearts. Please open our hearts so that Your still small voice may have the force of a driving wind. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture:  Read:  Acts 2:1-4:  ``When the day of Pentecost came, it found them gathered in one place…”
Response:  Fill me with your Holy Spirit, O God, that I may boldly speak to the entire world the many marvels you have accomplished in the midst of your people.
Closing Prayer