Holy Spirit Novena

Setting aside nine days to pray to the Holy Spirit is an ancient custom in the Church. The Acts of the Apostles tells us that the disciples returned from the Ascension to the upper room and waited in prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit. When we pray this novena we wait in prayer for the Holy Spirit just as Mary and the disciples did. Following their example, the Church prays the liturgical novena to the Holy Spirit during the nine days before Pentecost.

Opening Prayer
Say this prayer at the beginning of each day.
Holy Spirit, gift of the Father, Spirit of light and love, open our hearts and minds and give us your inspiration and truth. Inflame our hearts with love of God and love of neighbour. May our lives reflect the life and virtues of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. To him, with the Father and you, divine Holy Spirit, be honour and glory forever. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Say this prayer at the end of each day.
Spirit of Jesus, come to me. Enable me to think like Jesus Christ, to will like Jesus Christ, to act and suffer like Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, fill me with a lively interest in my divine Saviour, with the desire to please him, the longing to imitate him, the need to resemble him. Grant that Jesus may live in me through Mary. Amen.
First Day
Gift of Faith
All those who walk in the Spirit of God are sons and daughters of God. Romans 8:14
Compassionate God, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us. May our words and deeds proclaim the kingdom of Jesus, our Saviour. Enlighten our minds to do what is right and just. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Holy Spirit, source of light,
From the clear celestial height
Your pure beaming radiance give.
Second Day
Gift of Charity
Now I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another  Jn 13:34-35
Compassionate God, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us. May our lives reflect the love of Jesus in all we do and say this day. Help us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation in a world torn by war and violence. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Come, protector of the poor,
Come with treasures that endure;
Come, you light of all that live!
Third Day
Gift of Wisdom
From now on, the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of all that I have told you.   Jn 14:26
Compassionate God, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us. Open our ears to hear the voice of Jesus who calls us to proclaim the gospel of peace and joy by deeds of loving concern for others. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
You, of all consolers best,
You, the soul’s delightful guest,
Do refreshing peace bestow.
Fourth Day
Gift of Understanding
When he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into the whole truth. Jn 16:13
Compassionate God, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us. Through this Holy Spirit may we live our lives open to the truth of your holy word. Make us messengers of the Good News of our salvation in Christ. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
You in toil are comfort sweet;
Pleasant coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.

Fifth Day
Gift of Knowledge
All that the Father has is mine; because of this I have just told you, that the Spirit will take what is mine and make it known to you. Jn 16:15
Compassionate God, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us. Keep us open to your voice speaking in the many events of our lives. Grant us the grace of patient listening and Christ-like concern for others. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Light immortal, light divine,
Make our hearts your own lifeline,
And our inmost being fill.
Sixth Day
Gift of Counsel
We feel secure even in trials, knowing that trials produce patience, from patience comes merit, merit is the source of hope, and hope does not disappoint us because the Holy Spirit has been given to us, pouring into our hearts the love of God. Romans 5:3-5
Compassionate God, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us. Give us strength to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Let not the trials and difficulties of life discourage us from following his gospel. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
If you take your grace away,
Nothing pure in us will stay;
All our good is turned to ill.
Seventh Day
Gift of Fortitude
God’s spirit has filled the whole world, and he who holds together all things knows each word that is spoken. Wisdom 1:7
Compassionate God, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us. Give us confidence in your never-ending care for us. Fill us with serenity and peace. May our lives reflect your mercy and love to those who live in fear and anxiety We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away.
Eighth Day
Gift of Piety
I will send you the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. When this Helper comes, he will be my witness, and you, too, will be my witnesses for you have been with me from the beginning. Jn 15:26-27
Compassionate God, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us. May our lives proclaim the risen Christ by our witness of loving compassion. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
Ninth Day
Gift of Fear of the Lord
If the Spirit of him who raised Christ from the dead is within you, he who raised Christ from among the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies. Yes, he will do it through his Spirit who dwells within you. Romans 8:11
Compassionate God, send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us. May our lives be a reflection of the compassionate Christ in a world longing for peace and justice. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
We confess you, and adore.
You sustain us evermore,
And your seven gifts do send.
Conclusion of Novena
Spirit of the living God, descend on us as you did on Mary and the disciples gathered in prayer in the upper room. Like them, we have gathered these nine days in prayer to you, the source of divine love and compassion. Fill us with the divine energy of your sevenfold gifts. May our lives proclaim the greatness of your love and mercy. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the world with the fire of your love. Amen.
Give us comfort when we die;
Give us life with you on high;
Give us joys that never end.
Prayer to Mary
Mary, Daughter of the Father,
Spouse of the Holy Spirit,
Mother of the Incarnate Word,
Intercede for us. Amen.