Novena to the Holy Spirit
The original novena, prayed by the Apostles and Our Lady in the Upper Room from Ascension Thursday to Pentecost Sunday, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit.
"And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were."
— Acts 2:2
How to Pray This Novena
This novena is traditionally prayed from the Friday after Ascension Thursday through Pentecost Saturday, but may be prayed at any time you seek the guidance and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Each day focuses on one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, with the final two days devoted to the fruits of the Spirit and a complete invocation.
The Nine Days
Day 1: The Gift of Fear of the Lord
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set You, my Lord and God, before my face forever.
Fruit: Reverence for God and avoidance of sin
Day 2: The Gift 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.
Fruit: Filial devotion to God as our Father
Day 3: The Gift 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.
Fruit: Understanding of creation and its purpose
Day 4: The Gift of Fortitude
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity. Sustain my efforts after holiness.
Fruit: Strength to persevere in virtue
Day 5: The Gift of Counsel
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Counsel, enlighten and guide me in all my ways, that I may always know and do Your holy will.
Fruit: Prudent judgment in difficult situations
Day 6: The Gift of Understanding
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Understanding, enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation.
Fruit: Deeper insight into divine truths
Day 7: The Gift of Wisdom
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, and power.
Fruit: Contemplation of God and heavenly things
Day 8: The Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Your heavenly fruits: charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, long-suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, continence, and chastity.
Fruit: The fruits that flow from living in the Spirit
Day 9: Come, Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.
Fruit: Complete openness to the Holy Spirit
Daily Prayer Structure
1. Opening Hymn
Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,
And in our hearts take up Your rest;
Come with Your grace and heavenly aid
To fill the hearts which You have made.
2. Daily Prayer
Pray the specific prayer for that day (see above)
3. Closing Prayer
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of Your faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
4. Conclude With
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be