I suppose that after reading my reversion story that it would not be a surprise of my devotion and love of the Hoy Spirit. The fire that burned so intensely, yet so lovingly in my heart and enlighten my mind with
the Truth that is Jesus and inspired my return to the church. I would like to share three prayers to the Holy Spirit that are close to my heart.
I found this prayer shortly after my reversion back to the Catholic church and have been praying this prayer in my confirmation class from the very first class.
Saint Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.
A few years ago I was inspired to write my own prayer to the Holy Spirit and use this prayer at the beginning of every class to get my students in tune with the Holy Spirit.
Litany of Love to the Holy Spirit - 7 gifts O Holy Spirit, O wondrous Breath, who poured forth Your love from the mouth of God, to His most beloved Son, the One, that at the mention of His name, every knee shall bend. O Breath of life, as tongues of fire, like a torrent, rained down Your fire of love on the Apostles, filling them with the gifts of Your Holy Spirit, we ask you O Lord, fill us with the fire of Your love, as we pray, All - Fill us with your Love O Lord for Wisdom, to detach from the things of earth and love only the things of heaven All - Fill us with your Love O Lord for Understanding, to know the truths of the mysteries of our faith and our relationship to God All - Fill us with your Love O Lord for Your Counsel, which speaks to our heart, and enlightens us to act correctly All - Fill us with your Love O Lord for Fortitude, for the strength to overcome our fears and remain steadfast in Your will All - Fill us with your Love O Lord for Knowledge, for the ability to see things as God sees them All - Fill us with your Love O Lord for Piety, for our desire to give You O God, the worship and service You deserve All - Fill us with your Love O Lord for Fear of the Lord, for our hope is in you O Lord and we wish not to offend, but to praise and glorify You. For your grace is what we truly desire above all things All - Fill us with your Love O Lord O Holy Spirit, Thank you for hearing our prayer. Thank you for answering our prayer. Thank you for always hearing us and filling us with your Love O Lord All - Amen, Alleluia 9/19/2014 Billy Gillespie
This last prayer is written by this year’s Confirmation class. I have three large groups of students during the course of our confirmation year at our parish. And with each large group, we pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance then, I break the large group into three small groups. Each of these small groups write their own prayer to the Holy Spirit. So, toward the end of the year, I’ll have nine prayers that the students have written. Then, I’ll pray for guidance to the Holy Spirit and combine the students prayers into one prayer which becomes the prayer for the confirmation class of that year. I have had every class do this since I began teaching nine years ago. Each confirmation class prayer is special and unique.
O Holy Spirit, Thank you for being by our side. Thank you for filling us with your light and love as we open our hearts to you. We ask for your guidance and strength to follow the path of God and show us how to live by God’s holy image. We ask for understanding to find our way through the world at the darkest times. Give us wisdom to separate from material possessions and love only the things of heaven. Inspire us to serve others. Fill us with patience as we wait for you. Fill us with your strength as you guide us away from temptation and open our hearts and minds to Jesus. We love you. Amen St. Francis de Sales Church Confirmation Class Prayer 2016
May you turn to the Holy Spirit and find Him burning brightly inside of you.
Blessings