Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

Today, on Pentecost Sunday, we reach the end of our Easter journey.  On this special day, the sequence below is proclaimed at Mass, right before the Alleluia.  The sequence of Pentecost has been in use since at least the 13th century and is usually attributed to Pope Innocent III. Sometimes referred to as the “Golden Sequence,” it is one of four sequences we use during the course of the Liturgical year.  It is an example of beautiful poetry, full of imagery and feeling. It’s worth another glance, especially as a prayer, to help us truly welcome the Holy Spirit into our hearts, homes, minds and lives. 

Pray with the Sequence

The sequence can be prayed through using the classic prayer form of Lectio Divina - Divine Reading - that is often used to pray with Scripture. Simply read through the sequence slowly, carefully and deliberately, pausing to let each line sink in. Then, read it again, stopping to linger on any line, phrase or word that especially stands out to you.  Sit with that image for a few minutes, then read through the sequence one last time.

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

And from your celestial home

    Shed a ray of light divine!

Come, Father of the poor!

Come, source of all our store!

    Come, within our bosoms shine.

You, of comforters the best;

You, the soul’s most welcome guest;

    Sweet refreshment here below;

In our labor, rest most sweet;

Grateful coolness in the heat;

    Solace in the midst of woe.

O most blessed Light divine,

Shine within these hearts of yours,

    And our inmost being fill!

Where you are not, we have naught,

Nothing good in deed or thought,

    Nothing free from taint of ill.

Heal our wounds, our strength renew;

On our dryness pour your dew;

    Wash the stains of guilt away:

Bend the stubborn heart and will;

Melt the frozen, warm the chill;

    Guide the steps that go astray.

On the faithful, who adore

And confess you, evermore

    In your sevenfold gift descend;

Give them virtue’s sure reward;

Give them your salvation, Lord;

    Give them joys that never end. Amen.

    Alleluia.

Which line or phrase stood out to you?  Consider writing it down in a prayer journal or even just on a piece of paper and place it somewhere you will see it often and be reminded to pray to the Holy Spirit, invoking his aid, guidance and protection. Come, Holy Spirit, come!