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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.

Well, I was going to facebook this, and then I realised it was waaaay too cool for a status where gazillions might see it and instead decided to post it here.  I’ve started reading Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To by Anthony Destefano which Jen F. recently did a Three-Minute Book Club post on at Conversion Diary.  Don’t worry, as Jen points out (as does the author), this is not a “name it and claim it” book at all.  Rather, these prayers come from the depths of the human experience- and so far I can’t see God saying “no” to a single one of them.

I have actually attempted to pace myself on this book.. but I’m already at Chapter Five, “Am I a Terrible Person? God Forgive Me.”  And I found this great gem there:

Remember, a good Chirstian is not someone who doesn’t ever sin, but someone who repents every time he does.  That means that, ultimately, the definition of a successful life is one in which we repent one more time than we sin.

…

Lord, I know I did something terrible, and I feel awful… I’m sorry.  I’m going to try not to do it again.  But if I fail, I’m going to get right back up and try again. I may break the world record for committing this particular sin, but I’m also going to break the record for repenting of it! (emphasis added; no page citations b/c read via iTouch Kindle)

Amen!  I think this is exactly the kind of good “guilt” we ought to have- not the famously ridiculed “Catholic guilt” or “Jewish guilt” or whatever variant of guilt out there that has a reputation of being all about making the sinner feel horrible.  We ought to feel bad about the things we’ve done.  And knowing how bad we really are shows us just how much we need a savior.  And knowing just how much we need a savior shows us just how incredible it is that we actually got one.  And knowing that- well, that should remind any sinner just how much God loves us– which is a whole heck of a lot.  I really like that prayer- I think I’ll try to say it when I commit sins, especially ones I commit regularly.

-theRosyGardener