Prayer for the Solemnity of Pentecost

Prayer for the Solemnity of Pentecost

Inspired by the titles of the Holy Spirit

from the Pentecost Sequence "Veni Sancte Spiritus"

(As requested by Mark Purugganan)

O Holy Spirit,

refreshing wind,

rekindling fire,

reviving breath,

O recumbent friend

in the deepest core of our being,

we thank you on this day

when we celebrate your coming,

"you whom we call Consoler,

greatest gift of the Father!"

We thank you for your gifts

with which you continue to surprise us,

that inspire and carry us through everyday

in faithful love,

that rescue and aid us in times of need,

and that, in moments of despair and darkness,

when all else fail and we are completely helpless,

arise from deep within

as the courage and hope we sometimes think we never had

"Father of the poor,

giver of gifts,

light of our hearts!"

O Gentlest strength,

brightest calm,

deepest peace,

purest joy,

clearest truth,

truest love,

visit us always,

or rather, because you are always within us,

more intimate to us that we are to ourselves,

help us to dwell with you

in the sanctuary of our hearts.

"O sustenance of us who sojourn,

delightful dweller in our souls,

most excellent of all companions!"

Paraclete proceeding

from the bosom of the Father and the Son

be for us as promised,

in our toiling and our fainting,

in our blooming and our wilting,

and yes, even in our scattering and our every dying,

"rest in our labors,

shade in the noonday heat,

beacon in our grief."

Friend of our souls,

be for us always

the breath that sustains us,

the wind that carries us,

and the fire that drives us.

With your seven holy gifts,

we beg you Spirit of love today,

not only to come but forever to stay.

Amen.

Veni Sancte Spiritus!