Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

Since listening more to Catholic radio and following more Catholic media and social media, I’ve learned quite a lot that I had no idea about growing up as a “Cradle Catholic” in the 80s and 90s. This morning was no different. It has been one of those days where I heard something new, and then to make sure that the point was really hammered home, it has been coming up all morning. What I heard about today was the Pentecost Novena, or the Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts.

Prayer

Last week I wrote a blog called Falling Out of Love in which I discussed why I think a lot of relationships fail and the need for a desire to make relationships work. There is no relationship in which this is more true in than our relationship with God.

A lot of people these days will often complain on Sunday when it’s time to go to Mass. They’ll say things like “Mass is boring” or “Mass is too long” or “I don’t get anything out of Mass”. When I hear these comments I tend to reply with questions.

The Our Father

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
–Matthew 6:5-15

What a powerful text. A prayer that was taught to us by God Himself and has been prayed by Christians ever since. It has been passed down from father to son, and the other night I had a wonderful prayer experience with my young son.