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Seven Prayers for Seven Gifts

Seven Prayers for Seven Gifts
Excerpted from a Novena to the Holy Spirit

Wisdom: Come and fill me, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, in their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth and to prefer your wisdom over the so-called wisdom of this world. Help me to grow in your wisdom, especially during temptations, trials, and all the daily challenges that I face. Amen.

Understanding: Come and fill me, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten my mind that I may accept and believe the mysteries of salvation and the truths of your kingdom in order to stay on the path to heaven and serve your kingdom in my daily life. Help me to discern what is evil, and enlighten me so that I may be holy here on earth and live forever in the light of your glory with a clear vision of you and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Counsel: Come and fill me, O Spirit of Counsel. Help me and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do your holy will. Incline my heart to prefer only what is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of your commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. Amen.

Fortitude: Come and fill me, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude. Protect my soul in times of trouble and adversity. Sustain my efforts in holiness, strengthen me in my weakness, and give me courage against all the assaults and temptations of my enemies, that I may not be overcome and separated from You, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

Knowledge: Come and fill me, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father in all things, in every moment of every day. Give me an awareness of the pointlessness of earthly things and the ugliness of unholy desires, that I may stay pure in all my decisions and use the things of this world only if they bring you glory. Tell me what I need to know for my salvation and for the service of others. Amen.

Piety: Come and fill me, O Blessed Spirit of Piety. Possess my heart. Purify me. Humble me. Enkindle in me such a love for God that I may be satisfied only in his service and lovingly submit to all legitimate authority for the sake of your kingdom. Make me increasingly uncomfortable with everything that is evil, so that I turn away from it and live only in you. Amen.

Fear of the Lord: Come and fill me, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear. Penetrate my inmost heart so that I may honor, obey and prefer you and my Lord Jesus and my Father God above all else. Help me to despise all things that offend you, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of your Divine Majesty in heaven, where you live and reign forever in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity. Amen.

Summary of the Christian Gospel

Taken from theĀ Anaphora of St. James, Brother of the Lord according to the Maronite-Syriac tradition:

You are truly holy, O King of all time and source of all holiness. Holy is your only Son, our Lord and God, Jesus Christ. Holy is your Spirit who reaches the depths of all things, even the depths of your own Being. You are God and Father, holy, almighty, all-powerful, awesome, and good, compassionate toward the sufferings of your creation. You formed us from the earth and conferred on us the joy of paradise. When we transgressed your command and sinned, you neither neglected nor rejected us, but rather, as a merciful Father, you sought us. By the law you called us back; by the prophets you guided us; and, at last, you sent your only Son, our Lord and God Jesus Christ, into the world, that he might renew your image in us. He came down from heaven, and, being conceived of the Holy Spirit and taking flesh from the ever-virgin Mary, Mother of God, he dwelt among us and accomplished everything for the salvation of our race.