Come thou father of the poor,
come with treasures that endure,
come thou light of all that live.
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever; help me to shun all things that can offend you, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of your Divine Majesty in heaven, where you live and reign in the unity of the Blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Amen.
Day 3: Prayer for the Gift of Piety
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Thou of all consolers best,
visiting the troubled breast,
dost refreshing peace bestow.
Come, O blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Implant in my soul filial love toward God, my heavenly Father, and brotherly love for all, so that I may delight in the service of God and my neighbor. Amen.
Day 4: Prayer for the Gift of Fortitude
Thou in toil art comfort sweet,
pleasant coolness in the heat,
solace in the midst of woe.
Come of blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from you, my God and greatest Good. Amen.
Day 5: Prayer for the Gift of Knowledge
Light immortal, light divine,
visit thou these hearts of thine,
and our inmost being fill.
Come, O blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for your glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to you and your eternal rewards. Amen.
Day 6: Prayer for the Gift of Understanding
If thou take thy grace away,
nothing pure in man will stay;
all his good is turned to ill.
Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in your light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of you, the Father, and the Son. Amen.
Day 7: Prayer for the Gift of Counsel
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
on our dryness pour thy dew;
wash the stains of guilt away.
Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do your holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of your commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. Amen.
Day 8: Prayer for the Gift of Wisdom
Bend the stubborn heart and will,
melt the frozen, warm the chill,
guide the steps that go astray.
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power, and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen.
Day 9: Prayer for the Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Thou on those who evermore,
thee confess and thee adore,
in thy sevenfold gift descend.
Give them comfort when they die,
give them life with thee on high,
give them joys which never end.
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with your heavenly gifts: your charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, that I may never weary in the service of God but, by continued faithful submission to your inspiration, may merit to be united eternally with you in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.
This story was originally published on May 27, 2022, and was updated on May 18, 2023.
Katie Yoder is a correspondent in CNA's Washington, D.C. bureau. She covers pro-life issues, the U.S. Catholic bishops, public policy, and Congress. She previously worked for Townhall.com, National Review, and the Media Research Center.
