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.
Quick Facts About the Novena to the Holy Spirit
- Focus: The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Origin: Oldest novena – prayed by the Apostles at the command of Jesus
- Best Time: Between Ascension and Pentecost (or anytime)
- Purpose: To receive the power, guidance, and gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Also prayed for: Wisdom in decisions, strength in trials, renewal of faith, and Church renewal
How to Pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit
- Pray once a day for 9 consecutive days
- Best time: Morning or evening
- Optional: Light a red candle (symbol of the Holy Spirit), read slowly, and pray with an open heart
What is the Novena to the Holy Spirit?
It is a 9-day prayer asking for the powerful gifts and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
When should I pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit?
It is traditionally prayed between Ascension and Pentecost, but you can pray it anytime you need the Holy Spirit’s help.
How long does the Novena to the Holy Spirit last?
It lasts 9 consecutive days.
Can I pray this novena for someone else?
Yes, you can pray it for your family, friends, the Church, or anyone in need.
What are the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
| Novena Begins: | Friday after Ascension Thursday |
| Feast Day: | Sun May 24, 2026 |
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…