Novena to the Holy Spirit for an Increase in the Seven Gifts

On the day following Ascension Thursday, the Church begins the novena to the Holy Spirit in preparation for the celebration of Pentecost, when God sent the Holy Spirit upon the apostles to empower them to fulfill the task that Jesus had given them of spreading the Gospel to all nations. Praying this novena mirrors the nine days of prayer before Pentecost that the apostles and the Blessed Mother undertook in order to prepare themselves for this event. There are different versions of it, some focusing on the fruits of the Holy Spirit and others focusing on the seven gifts. I will use one focusing on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, with the last day focusing on the fruits.

Day 1: The Holy Spirit

Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness of all our sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us Thy sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be’s.

Day 2: The Spirit of Holy Fear

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever; help me to shun all things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in heaven, where Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Amen.

Prayers as above

Day 3: Spirit of Piety

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

Prayers as in Day 1

Day 4: Spirit of Fortitude

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in times of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

Prayers as in Day 1

Day 5: Spirit of Knowledge

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Prayers as in Day 1

Day 6: Spirit of Understanding

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all of the mysteries of salvation, and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy light; and in the light glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Prayers as in Day 1

Day 7: Spirit of Counsel

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

Prayers as in Day 1

Day 8: Spirit of Wisdom

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things and their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all passing joys and satisfactions of the earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen.

Prayers as in Day 1

Day 9: Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration, may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.

Prayers as in Day 1