Sacred Stones, Sacred Stories

Just two more days until we complete the prayer for priests in preparation for Pentecost. In addition to these daily prayers, you can pray the Rosary or fast.

Eighth Day, June 10: The gift of wisdom

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written “all good things came to me with her and innumerable riches through her hands.” It is the gift of wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor while the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Savior: “Take up thy cross and follow me for my yoke is sweet and my burden is light.”

Let us pray. Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, reveal to our souls the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach us to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help us to attain them and possess them forever. Amen.

Pray the Our Father once, the Hail Mary once and the Glory Be seven times; then pray the Prayer of the the Seven Gifts (below).

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (recited daily)

O, Lord Jesus Christ, who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish thy work in the souls of thy apostles and disciples, deign to grant, in our own times, the same Holy Spirit to our bishop and priests, that he may perfect in their souls the work of thy grace and thy love.

Grant them the Spirit of Wisdom that our priests may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our priests’ minds with the light of thy divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel that our priests may ever choose the surest way to pleasing God and gaining heaven; the Spirit of Fortitude that our priests may bear their crosses with thee and that they may overcome with courage all the obstacles to salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge that our priests may know God and themselves and grow perfect in the science of the Saints; the Spirit of Piety that our priests may find the service of God sweet and amiable; and the Spirit of Fear that our priests may be filled with a loving reverence toward God and may dread in any way to displease him. Mark our priests, dear Lord, with the sign of thy true disciples, and animate them in all things with thy Spirit. Amen.

Today is the seventh of nine days of prayer for priests as we approach Pentecost. Please join us!

Seventh Day, June 9: The gift of counsel

The gift of counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must be done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by knowledge and understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duties. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. “Above all these things, pray to the Most High that he may direct thy way in truth.”

Let us pray. Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide us in all our ways that we may always do thy holy will. Incline our hearts to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil and direct us by the straight path of thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which we long. Amen.

Pray the Our Father once, the Hail Mary once and the Glory Be seven times; then pray the Prayer of the Seven Gifts:

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (recited daily)

O, Lord Jesus Christ, who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish thy work in the souls of thy apostles and disciples, deign to grant, in our own times, the same Holy Spirit to our bishop and priests, that he may perfect in their souls the work of thy grace and thy love.

Grant them the Spirit of Wisdom that our priests may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our priests’ minds with the light of thy divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel that our priests may ever choose the surest way to pleasing God and gaining heaven; the Spirit of Fortitude that our priests may bear their crosses with thee and that they may overcome with courage all the obstacles to salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge that our priests may know God and themselves and grow perfect in the science of the Saints; the Spirit of Piety that our priests may find the service of God sweet and amiable; and the Spirit of Fear that our priests may be filled with a loving reverence toward God and may dread in any way to displease him. Mark our priests, dear Lord, with the sign of thy true disciples, and animate them in all things with thy Spirit. Amen.

Today is the sixth of nine days praying for priests as we near Pentecost. Please join us!

Sixth Day, June 8: The gift of understanding

Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion by faith. We know these truths, but by understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to “walk worthy of God in all things pleasing and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

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

Pray the Our Father once, the Hail Mary once and the Glory Be seven times; then pray the Prayer of the Seven Gifts:

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (recited daily)

O, Lord Jesus Christ, who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish thy work in the souls of thy apostles and disciples, deign to grant, in our own times, the same Holy Spirit to our bishop and priests, that he may perfect in their souls the work of thy grace and thy love.

Grant them the Spirit of Wisdom that our priests may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our priests’ minds with the light of thy divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel that our priests may ever choose the surest way to pleasing God and gaining heaven; the Spirit of Fortitude that our priests may bear their crosses with thee and that they may overcome with courage all the obstacles to salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge that our priests may know God and themselves and grow perfect in the science of the Saints; the Spirit of Piety that our priests may find the service of God sweet and amiable; and the Spirit of Fear that our priests may be filled with a loving reverence toward God and may dread in any way to displease him. Mark our priests, dear Lord, with the sign of thy true disciples, and animate them in all things with thy Spirit. Amen.

We have traveled halfway through a week of prayers for our priests as we prepare for Pentecost (earlier prayers begin with our June 3 post). There is one prayer to be recited daily during the Novena and nine additional prayers. We will post these prayers each day as a reminder.

Fifth Day, June 7: The Gift of Knowledge

The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth – in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity and directs us to glorify him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. “Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesses it.”

Let us pray. Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, grant that we may perceive the will of the Father; show us the nothingness of earthly things; that we may realize their vanity and use them only for thy glory and our own salvation, looking ever beyond them to thee and thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (recited daily)

O, Lord Jesus Christ, who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish thy work in the souls of thy apostles and disciples, deign to grant, in our own times, the same Holy Spirit to our bishop and priests, that he may perfect in their souls the work of thy grace and thy love.

Grant them the Spirit of Wisdom that our priests may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our priests’ minds with the light of thy divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel that our priests may ever choose the surest way to pleasing God and gaining heaven; the Spirit of Fortitude that our priests may bear their crosses with thee and that they may overcome with courage all the obstacles to salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge that our priests may know God and themselves and grow perfect in the science of the Saints; the Spirit of Piety that our priests may find the service of God sweet and amiable; and the Spirit of Fear that our priests may be filled with a loving reverence toward God and may dread in any way to displease him. Mark our priests, dear Lord, with the sign of thy true disciples, and animate them in all things with thy Spirit. Amen.

This is day #4 for praying the Pentecost Novena for our bishops and priests. (Please click here to learn more about the novena.)

Fourth Day, June 6: The Gift of Fortitude

By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy, which move it to undertake without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. “He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.”

Let us pray. Come, O blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold our souls in time of trouble and adversity, sustain our efforts after holiness, strengthen our weaknesses, give us courage against all the assaults of our enemies, that we may never by overcome and separated from Thee, our God and greatest good. Amen.

Pray the Our Father once, the Hail Mary once and the Glory Be seven times; then pray the Prayer of the the Seven Gifts (below).

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (recited daily)

O, Lord Jesus Christ, who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish thy work in the souls of thy apostles and disciples, deign to grant, in our own times, the same Holy Spirit to our bishop and priests, that he may perfect in their souls the work of thy grace and thy love.

Grant them the Spirit of Wisdom that our priests may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our priests’ minds with the light of thy divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel that our priests may ever choose the surest way to pleasing God and gaining heaven; the Spirit of Fortitude that our priests may bear their crosses with thee and that they may overcome with courage all the obstacles to salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge that our priests may know God and themselves and grow perfect in the science of the Saints; the Spirit of Piety that our priests may find the service of God sweet and amiable; and the Spirit of Fear that our priests may be filled with a loving reverence toward God and may dread in any way to displease him. Mark our priests, dear Lord, with the sign of thy true disciples, and animate them in all things with thy Spirit. Amen.

Today is the third day of the Pentecost Novena for priests in our dioceses (here’s the first post). Please join us in prayer!

Third Day, June 5: The Gift of Piety

The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for his sake persons and things consecrated to him, as well as those who are vested with his authority, his Blessed Mother and the saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion not a burdensome duty but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.

Let us pray. Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess our hearts. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that we may find satisfaction only in his service and for his sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

Pray the Our Father once, the Hail Mary once and the Glory Be seven times; then pray the Prayer of the the Seven Gifts (below).

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (recited daily)

O, Lord Jesus Christ, who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish thy work in the souls of thy apostles and disciples, deign to grant, in our own times, the same Holy Spirit to our bishop and priests, that he may perfect in their souls the work of thy grace and thy love.

Grant them the Spirit of Wisdom that our priests may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our priests’ minds with the light of thy divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel that our priests may ever choose the surest way to pleasing God and gaining heaven; the Spirit of Fortitude that our priests may bear their crosses with thee and that they may overcome with courage all the obstacles to salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge that our priests may know God and themselves and grow perfect in the science of the Saints; the Spirit of Piety that our priests may find the service of God sweet and amiable; and the Spirit of Fear that our priests may be filled with a loving reverence toward God and may dread in any way to displease him. Mark our priests, dear Lord, with the sign of thy true disciples, and animate them in all things with thy Spirit. Amen.

Yesterday we blogged about joining us in prayer for our priests this Pentecost. There is one prayer to be recited daily during the Novena and nine additional prayers. We will post these prayers each day as a reminder.

Second Day, June 4: The Gift of Fear

The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. “They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts and, in his sight, sanctify their souls.”

Let us pray. Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate our inmost hearts, that we may set thee, our Lord and God, before our faces forever, help us to shun all things that can offend thee and make us worthy to appear before the pure eyes of thy divine majesty in heaven where thee lives and reigns in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God’s world without end. Amen.

Pray the Our Father once, the Hail Mary once and the Glory Be seven times; then pray the Prayer of the the Seven Gifts (below).

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (recited daily)

O, Lord Jesus Christ, who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish thy work in the souls of thy apostles and disciples, deign to grant, in our own times, the same Holy Spirit to our bishop and priests, that he may perfect in their souls the work of thy grace and thy love.

Grant them the Spirit of Wisdom that our priests may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our priests’ minds with the light of thy divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel that our priests may ever choose the surest way to pleasing God and gaining heaven; the Spirit of Fortitude that our priests may bear their crosses with thee and that they may overcome with courage all the obstacles to salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge that our priests may know God and themselves and grow perfect in the science of the Saints; the Spirit of Piety that our priests may find the service of God sweet and amiable; and the Spirit of Fear that our priests may be filled with a loving reverence toward God and may dread in any way to displease him. Mark our priests, dear Lord, with the sign of thy true disciples, and animate them in all things with thy Spirit. Amen.

(image courtesy of CHURCHPowerPoint.com)

As contemplative monastics, our main ministry of service to the Church is that of prayer. So please join us this Pentecost as we prepare to celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.

The novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord when he sent his apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. Addressed to the third person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a plea for the light, strength and love desperately needed by our priests.

There is one prayer to be recited daily during the Novena and nine additional prayers. We will post these prayers each day as a reminder.

First Day, June 3: The Holy Spirit

We must ever stay focused on eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared – sin.

Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness and indifference. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength and of Love. With his sevenfold gifts he enlightens the mind, strengthens the will and inflames the heart with love of God.

To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily for “The Spirit helps our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit himself asks for us.”

Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, who has granted to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit and has given us forgiveness of all sins, granted to send forth from heaven upon us the sevenfold Spirit, the Spirt 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.

Pray the Our Father once, the Hail Mary once and the Glory Be seven times; then pray the Prayer of the the Seven Gifts (below).

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (recited daily)

O, Lord Jesus Christ, who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish thy work in the souls of thy apostles and disciples, deign to grant, in our own times, the same Holy Spirit to our bishop and priests, that he may perfect in their souls the work of thy grace and thy love.

Grant them the Spirit of Wisdom that our priests may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our priests’ minds with the light of thy divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel that our priests may ever choose the surest way to pleasing God and gaining heaven; the Spirit of Fortitude that our priests may bear their crosses with thee and that they may overcome with courage all the obstacles to salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge that our priests may know God and themselves and grow perfect in the science of the Saints; the Spirit of Piety that our priests may find the service of God sweet and amiable; and the Spirit of Fear that our priests may be filled with a loving reverence toward God and may dread in any way to displease him. Mark our priests, dear Lord, with the sign of thy true disciples, and animate them in all things with thy Spirit. Amen.