Pentecost Novena – Pilgrims of Hope
Novenas are an ancient tradition of the Church, beginning with the nine days of prayer and silence the disciples experienced in the Upper Room in the days between Ascension and Pentecost. Our Novena is designed to help us encounter the Holy Spirit in our lives in the weeks leading to our diocesan Assembly. We are all called to be Pilgrims of Hope.
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Day 1 – Creation
The earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Genesis 1: 2
Reflection
In a moment of silence, become aware of the Holy Spirit moving in your life.
Allow yourself to feel wonder at the beauty of creation.
Where is there beauty in your life? (it might be in unexpected places)
What fills you with wonder?
What is your prayer to the Holy Spirit today?
Day 2 – Send forth your Spirit
Send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth
Psalm 104: 30
Reflection
In a moment of silence, become aware of the Holy Spirit within you.
Allow yourself to reflect on your life.
What aspects of your life most need renewal?
Where would you like to see seeds of new life?
What is your prayer to the Holy Spirit today?
Day 3 – The gifts of the Spirit
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD.
Isaiah 11:2
Reflection
In a moment of silence, become aware of the Holy Spirit moving in your life.
The gifts of the Spirit are wisdom and understanding, right judgment and courage, knowledge and reverence, and wonder and awe.
Which of these gifts of the Spirit do you need most right now?
What is your prayer to the Holy Spirit today?
Day 4 – The Holy Spirit in Jesus’ ministry
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven,
‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
Luke 3: 21:22
Reflection
In a moment of silence, allow yourself to become aware of God’s loving gaze.
The Holy Spirit lives in us through our baptism and confirmation.
What is God saying to you today?
How do you respond?
Day 5 – Pentecost
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Acts 2: 1-4
Reflection
In a moment of silence, allow yourself to become aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Pentecost sees the explosion of the Church into the world.
Where can we take the Gospel message today?
How can you be more open to the surprises of the Spirit?
What is your prayer to the Holy Spirit?
Day 6 – The Holy Spirit in our world
Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Romans 5:5
Reflection
In a moment of silence, allow yourself to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Today we pray for the areas of the world most in need of hope
Are there particular people or places in need of that message?
What is your prayer to the Holy Spirit today?
Day 7 – The Holy Spirit calls us into discipleship
The Holy Spirit, sweet and good, is the cause of all supernatural good, and the one who gives us light and strength to know and to do the will of God. He is the fire of divine love that burns within us and consumes all our vices, and he is the one who makes us taste the sweetness of the heavenly life.
St. Catherine of Sienna (1347-1380) Dialogue, 84
Reflection
In a moment of silence, become aware of the sweetness of the Holy Spirit.
What work do we want the Holy Spirit to do in our selves – our characters?
What bad habits or sinfulness do we want to see consumed?
Ask for light and strength to know and do the will of God.
What is your prayer to the Holy Spirit today?
Day 8 – Holy Spirit, soul of mission
The Holy Spirit is the soul of mission. The proclamation of the Gospel is the work of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church in the task of evangelization and makes it fruitful
Pope Benedict XVI:Message for World Mission Sunday, 2010
Reflection
In a moment of silence, become aware of the Holy Spirit.
When we share our faith with others, it is the Holy Spirit who gives us the words.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you who you can share the Good News with today.
What is your prayer to the Holy Spirit?
Day 9 – The Holy Spirit in our lives
Discernment is not a matter of simply applying rules or repeating what was done in the past. It requires a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and the courage to embrace new opportunities for growth and renewal. The Holy Spirit is the master of discernment, and he calls us to trust in his guidance and to be open to the unexpected ways in which he may lead us.
Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate, 167
Reflection
In a moment of silence, become aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
As we come to the end of our novena, look back on how your relationship with the Holy Spirit has grown over the past few days.
How can you continue to be open to the Holy Spirit in your life and embrace opportunities for growth and renewal?
We pray for sensitivity and courage to be open to the work of the Spirit through the Synod.
What is your prayer to the Holy Spirit today?