By Donna Orsuto
ROME - From the very beginning of The Lay Centre, we have had the tradition of praying the Pentecost Novena especially for:
- all our generous benefactors and friends
- the unity of all Christians
- a greater sense of dialogue among all believers in God
- for past, present and future members of The Lay Centre
The Lay Centre community comes together at Night Prayer between Ascension and Pentecost for this short prayer.
Perhaps you would like to join us by praying the Novena wherever you are in the world.
Please know that also your intentions are included in this “tempo forte” period of prayer.
Novena Prayer
Blessed Spirit of WISDOM, help us to seek God as the centre of our lives and order our lives according to his will, so that love and harmony may reign in our hearts.
Blessed Spirit of UNDERSTANDING, enlighten our minds, that we may know and love the truths of faith and make them truly our own.
Blessed Spirit of COUNSEL, enlighten and guide us in all our ways that we might always know and do Your holy will. Make us prudent and courageous.
Blessed Spirit of FORTITUDE, uphold us in every time of trouble or adversity. Make us loyal and confident.
Blessed Spirit of KNOWLEDGE, help us to know good from evil. Teach us to do what is right in the sight of God. Give us clear vision and firmness in decision.
Blessed Spirit of PIETY, possess our hearts, incline them to a true faith in You, to a holy love of You, our God, that with our whole being we may seek You, and find You, our best, our truest joy.
Blessed Spirit of HOLY FEAR, penetrate our inmost heart that we may ever be mindful of Your presence. Make us flee from sin, and give us intense reverence for God and for our brothers and sisters who are made in God’s image. Amen.
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Regina Caeli, laetare, Alleluia.
Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia.
Resurexit, sicut dixit, Alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia.
Photo: Wikimedia: A large 18th-century Russian icon depicting Pentecost. Egg tempera on wood panel.
