A Novena is an act of devotion, consisting of nine successive days of prayer. The original novena is actually the nine days between Ascension and Pentecost. So, for that reason, we decided to share with you a printable for the Novena for the Gifts of the Spirit. Traditionally, you begin praying this Novena today (the Friday after Ascension Day) and continue until the Eve of Pentecost.

Novena Printable

This is a lovely rendition of the hymn to be sung before the prayers in the Novena, “Come, Holy Ghost”

[Note that the hymn is in Long Meter (L.M.), so you do not have to sing this particular tune. Other familiar long meter tunes that could work with this hymn are the tunes for “Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts” (Abends), “What Star is This” (Puer Nobis),  and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” (Hamburg).]

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
and lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.

Thy blessed unction from above
is comfort, life, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
the dullness of our blinded sight.

Anoint and cheer our soiled face
with the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far our foes, give peace at home:
where thou art guide, no ill can come.

Teach us to know the Father, Son,
and thee, of both, to be but One,
that through the ages all along,
this may be our endless song:

Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.