What is the original novena to the Holy Spirit?
What Is It?
A novena to the Holy Spirit is a nine‑day prayer asking the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity to pour out His gifts—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—upon our souls.
Origins & Biblical Roots
Acts 1:14–2:4 tells how Mary and the Apostles “devoted themselves with one accord to prayer” for nine days between the Ascension and Pentecost. On the tenth day, the Holy Spirit descended in tongues of fire.
The Church has celebrated these nine days of prayer ever since, modeling our novena after the Church’s first prayer marathon in the Upper Room.
| Novena Begins: | Friday after Ascension Thursday |
| Feast Day: | Sun June 8, 2025 |
The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Wisdom, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude Understanding, Piety, Fear of the Lord
Day 1 – Yearning of His Presence
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Holy Spirit, Source of all grace, draw me ever closer to the Father through Your presence. Increase in me a longing to know, love, and serve God alone.
(Personal Intention…)
Closing Prayer each day
Come, Holy Spirit, true gift of the Father and the Son: come with Your sevenfold gifts, and renew the face of the earth.
V. Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord,
R. And renew the face of the earth.
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Pentecost, pray for us.
Day 2 – Gift of Wisdom
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Divine Spirit of Wisdom, enlighten my mind to see all things in the light of Christ, that I may make right judgments in daily life.
(Personal Intention…)
Closing Prayer each day
Come, Holy Spirit, true gift of the Father and the Son: come with Your sevenfold gifts, and renew the face of the earth.
V. Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord,
R. And renew the face of the earth.
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Pentecost, pray for us.
Day 3 – Gift of Understanding
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Spirit of Understanding, open my heart to grasp the truths of faith more deeply, and help me to live them with sincerity.
(Personal Intention…)
Closing Prayer each day
Come, Holy Spirit, true gift of the Father and the Son: come with Your sevenfold gifts, and renew the face of the earth.
V. Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord,
R. And renew the face of the earth.
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Pentecost, pray for us.
Day 4 – Gift of Counsel (Right Judgment)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Spirit of Right Judgment, guide my decisions so I may choose always what leads to God and shun what leads me away.
(Personal Intention…)
Closing Prayer each day
Come, Holy Spirit, true gift of the Father and the Son: come with Your sevenfold gifts, and renew the face of the earth.
V. Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord,
R. And renew the face of the earth.
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Pentecost, pray for us.
Day 5 – Gift of Fortitude (Courage)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Spirit of Fortitude, grant me the courage to bear my crosses, stand firm in trials, and persevere in holiness.
(Personal Intention…)
Closing Prayer each day
Come, Holy Spirit, true gift of the Father and the Son: come with Your sevenfold gifts, and renew the face of the earth.
V. Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord,
R. And renew the face of the earth.
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Pentecost, pray for us.
Day 6 – Gift of Knowledge
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Spirit of Knowledge, teach me to see God’s hand in all creation and to apply the truths of faith to every circumstance.
(Personal Intention…)
Closing Prayer each day
Come, Holy Spirit, true gift of the Father and the Son: come with Your sevenfold gifts, and renew the face of the earth.
V. Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord,
R. And renew the face of the earth.
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Pentecost, pray for us.
Day 7 – Gift of Piety (Reverence)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Spirit of Piety, fill me with filial love for God and tender compassion for my neighbor, that I may serve all as children of the same Father.
(Personal Intention…)
Closing Prayer each day
Come, Holy Spirit, true gift of the Father and the Son: come with Your sevenfold gifts, and renew the face of the earth.
V. Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord,
R. And renew the face of the earth.
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Pentecost, pray for us.
Day 8 – Gift of Fear of the Lord (Wonder & Awe)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Spirit of Fear of the Lord, grant me reverence before Your majesty and a profound respect for all You have made.
(Personal Intention…)
Closing Prayer each day
Come, Holy Spirit, true gift of the Father and the Son: come with Your sevenfold gifts, and renew the face of the earth.
V. Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord,
R. And renew the face of the earth.
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Pentecost, pray for us.
Day 9 – Fruit of the Spirit & Thanksgiving
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Holy Spirit, source of every spiritual gift, produce in me the fruits of Your grace—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‑control. I thank You for every blessing received during this novena.
(Personal Intention…)
Closing Prayer each day
Come, Holy Spirit, true gift of the Father and the Son: come with Your sevenfold gifts, and renew the face of the earth.
V. Send forth Your Spirit, O Lord,
R. And renew the face of the earth.
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Pentecost, pray for us.
Leave us your prayers…