Nine Days of Prayer to Prepare for Pentecost

The novena in honour of the Holy Spirit is the oldest of all novenas, since it was Jesus himself who sent his apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost. It is the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. We are all encouraged to join the nine days of prayer in preparation for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our world. The novena starts Friday 15 May and ends on the eve of Pentecost, Saturday 23 May.

Renew your wonders in this our day as by a new Pentecost.

Saint Pope John XXIII

Novena Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Father, pour out your Spirit

upon us your people,

and grant us

a new vision of your glory,

a new experience of your power,

a new faithfulness to your Word, and

a new consecration to your service,

that your love may grow among us,

and your kingdom come:

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Daily Intercessions

Day 1   For Israel, the People of the Covenant

Day 2   For the Renewal of the Church

Day 3   For the Unity of Christianity

Day 4   For the Renewal of Society

Day 5   For Conversion and Holiness

Day 6   For Reconciliation and Healing

Day 7   For Empowerment for Evangelisation

Day 8   For the Victory of the Holy Cross

Day 9   For a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit and His Gifts

'Novena' is an ancient tradition associated with the nine days between Ascension Day and Pentecost - mirroring the prayers of the first disciples commanded by Jesus Christ to wait and pray for the Holy Spirit to come. (Luke 24:49, Acts 2)