Novena of the Holy Spirit – Day 1: Sweet Light
Join in praying the Novena of the Holy Spirit to seek His gifts and fruits.
Today's Focus: Sweet Light
On this first day of the Novena of the Holy Spirit, we focus on His sweet light that fills us and illumines the darkness of our hearts. The Holy Spirit leads us like a mother's hand, and without Him, we would not know how to take another step.
Prayer for Day 1
Who are you, sweet light, that fills me
And illumines the darkness of my heart?
You lead me like a mother's hand,
And should you let go of me,
I would not know how to take another step.
You are the space
That embraces my being and buries it in yourself.
Away from you it sinks into the abyss
Of nothingness, from which you raised it to the light.
You, nearer to me than I to myself
And more interior than my most interior
And still impalpable and intangible
And beyond any name:
Holy Spirit eternal love!
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, who did instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Reflection
The Holy Spirit's sweet light reminds us that He is the space that embraces our being and buries it in Himself. Away from Him, we sink into the abyss of nothingness, from which He raises us to the light.
As we reflect on this aspect of the Holy Spirit's nature and work, let us ask ourselves how we can apply these lessons to our own lives and grow in holiness.
May the Holy Spirit's intercession help us to overcome our weaknesses and to grow stronger in our faith and love for God and neighbor.
How to Make an Excellent Novena
Trust in the Holy Spirit
Trust completely in the Holy Spirit's powerful intercession and His ability to help you. Turn to Him with confidence in every need, especially for spiritual gifts and guidance.
Be Persistent
Pray this novena with persistence and faith. The Holy Spirit will not fail to help those who turn to Him with trust and confidence.
Be Specific
Present your specific needs and intentions to the Holy Spirit. He wants to help you with the particular difficulties you face.
Be Grateful
Thank the Holy Spirit for His intercession and for the graces you receive. Gratitude opens our hearts to receive more blessings and miracles.
Closing Prayer
O Holy Spirit, sweet light that illumines our hearts, help me to trust in Your powerful intercession. May Your illuminating presence guide me like a mother's hand and keep me from sinking into the abyss of nothingness. Guide me through these nine days of prayer, that I may experience Your miraculous help and grow closer to God. Amen.