As we prepare for Pentecost Sunday, join us for a Meditation Novena of reflections provided by members of our Regnum Christi family.
Living in the Spirit: A Pentecost Meditation Novena is designed to help you delve deeper into the central mysteries of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit for me? How do I relate to and experience his presence? How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life? What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit? It will be a powerful opportunity to ponder the mystery of God’s action in the events of our lives and to ask for the light, strength, and love we so sorely need as Christians. Join members of Regnum Christi from all walks of life, Legionaries of Christi, Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi, and lay members as they share personal testimonies, reflections, and a vocal prayer to help deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Created as the COVID pandemic caused shutdowns worldwide in 2020, these reflections are still relevant today. Let us prepare ourselves to receive a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and His gifts by praying for the needs of our world.
See each day’s meditation below.
Come, Holy Spirit
The novena prayers were written by Fr. Eric Nielsen, LC, who currently lives in Rye, NY, where he is the local director of development for the Legionaries of Christ and assists in Regnum Christi activities.
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 by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
“Asking More of the Holy Spirit” by Fr. Jason Brooks, LC:
Fr. Jason Brooks, LC resides in Clarkston, MI, and currently serves as the chaplain for the Regnum Christi sections in Detroit, MI.
“The Spirit Blows Where He Wills (John 3:4-8)” by Matt Williams:
Matthew Williams resides in Detroit, MI with his wife Patty and 4 children. He is currently the Detroit Regnum Christi Locality Director.
Take some time to ponder the mystery of God’s action through his Spirit in the events of your own life and ask for the light, strength, and love so sorely need in witnessing as a Christian in today’s world.
- Who is the Holy Spirit for me?
- How do I relate and experience his presence?
- How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life?
- What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit after listening to this personal testimony?
Novena Prayer
O Holy Spirit, the bond of love between the Father and the Son, teach me how to love. Move my heart unto the perfect gift of self, and so transform me into a living member of Christ, for Christ is God and God is love (1 Jn 4:8).
Remove in me any obstacle that keeps me from loving. Vanquish all pride and self-love from my heart. Free me from every form of slavery to the senses that bind me and prevents me from giving myself to others. Purify my intentions so as to seek your good pleasure above all else, and to never be moved by the esteem of others or by their approval.
Lord of love, grant me the security of knowing myself to be infinitely loved by you and to irradiate that love to others.
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 by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
“Knowing the Voice of the Spirit” by Lisa Small, CRC:
Lisa Small is a Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi from New Zealand living in Atlanta, Georgia. She serves as the National Formation Director for the Regnum Christi Mission Corps, and as the Communications Director for the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi in the North American territory.
Take some time to ponder the mystery of God’s action through his Spirit in the events of your own life and ask for the light, strength, and love so sorely need in witnessing as a Christian in today’s world.
- Who is the Holy Spirit for me?
- How do I relate and experience his presence?
- How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life?
- What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit after listening to this personal testimony?
Novena Prayer (Joy & Peace)
Spirit of joy, come and fill our hearts with that joy which the world cannot give. Give us the joy that comes from peace of conscience, from the certitude of hope, and from the possession of you, the one supreme good who alone satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts. Free us from the weight of sin and selfishness, and grant us the enthusiasm of sons and daughters who know that we have already triumphed through Christ Our Lord.
Spirit of peace, reveal to us the face of Christ, the Prince of Peace, and of the Father of Mercies. Silence our hearts and our passions so as to hear you speak in your “still small voice” (1Kings 19: 12), and recognize you as our Lord and consolation. Finally, Spirit of peace, we ask you to heal whatever woundedness and brokenness there is in our souls, so as to live and love in harmony from now on.
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 by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
“Growing in Love with the Holy Spirit and His Patience” by Lauren Hawkesworth, CRC:
Lauren Hawkesworth is a consecrated woman of Regnum Christi. Originally from South Africa, she currently resides in Cumming, GA, and is serving in the development office for the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi in North America.
Take some time to ponder the mystery of God’s action through his Spirit in the events of your own life and ask for the light, strength, and love so sorely need in witnessing as a Christian in today’s world.
- Who is the Holy Spirit for me?
- How do I relate and experience his presence?
- How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life?
- What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit after listening to this personal testimony?
Novena Prayer (Patience)
Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your Hope. Help us to bear with confidence the difficulties of this life, knowing that You will not allow us to be tried beyond our strength (1 Cor 10:13). Lord of Hosts and God of all strength, grant us patience in the face of evils. Teach us to unite our sufferings to those of Christ, and so transform them into graces for your Church and for souls. Identify me more and more with Christ Our Lord who chose to embrace human weakness in order to embrace fallen humanity. Finally, Holy Spirit, grant us the filial trust to pray “Abba, Father” with the same confidence with which Jesus Our Lord did so on earth (Rom 8:15).
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 by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Praying with the Holy Spirit” by Melissa Foley:
Melissa resides in Atlanta with her husband and three children who support her enthusiastic mission of leading women to an awareness and experience of being loved. Visit Resurrected Life.
(Please note, the podcast/video to which Melissa refers is no longer available.)
Take some time to ponder the mystery of God’s action through his Spirit in the events of your own life and ask for the light, strength, and love so sorely need in witnessing as a Christian in today’s world.
- Who is the Holy Spirit for me?
- How do I relate and experience his presence?
- How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life?
- What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit after listening to this personal testimony?
Novena Prayer (Patience)
Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your Hope. Help us to bear with confidence the difficulties of this life, knowing that You will not allow us to be tried beyond our strength (1 Cor 10:13). Lord of Hosts and God of all strength, grant us patience in the face of evils. Teach us to unite our sufferings to those of Christ, and so transform them into graces for your Church and for souls. Identify me more and more with Christ Our Lord who chose to embrace human weakness in order to embrace fallen humanity. Finally, Holy Spirit, grant us the filial trust to pray “Abba, Father” with the same confidence with which Jesus Our Lord did so on earth (Rom 8:15).
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 by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
“Living Life Inspired by the Holy Spirit” by Fr. Mark Haydu, LC:
Fr. Mark Haydu, LC resides in the NY Tri-State area working as National Chaplain of Lumen Institute.
Part I
Take some time to ponder the mystery of God’s action through his Spirit in the events of your own life and ask for the light, strength, and love so sorely need in witnessing as a Christian in today’s world.
- Who is the Holy Spirit for me?
- How do I relate and experience his presence?
- How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life?
- What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit after listening to this personal testimony?
Novena Prayer
Spirit of Love, grant me a heart that seeks the wellbeing of others for their own sake, disinterestedly. Give me your kindness not only to love but to show people they are loved and to perform works of love in a manner full of love.
Give me new eyes and a new heart so as to see Jesus in the people around me, and to live them as Jesus in thought, word, deed, and gesture. Finally, help me remember that we are called to be “the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in our face, kindness in our eyes, kindness in our smile” (cf. Mother Teresa of Calcutta) so as to spread the fragrance of Christ in the world.
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 by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
“Experiencing the Living God” by Cindi Carter:
Cindi Carter is a cradle Catholic who has lived in Michigan her entire life. She currently is the Business Administrator at Everest. She has been married to Jim for 25 years and they have one daughter, Serena, who is currently a student at the University of Michigan. Cindi’s retreat The Best News Ever! Experiencing the Living God in the Kerygma is available live or via Zoom. Contact her at [email protected] if you are interested in the retreat for your small or large group.
Take some time to ponder the mystery of God’s action through his Spirit in the events of your own life and ask for the light, strength, and love so sorely need in witnessing as a Christian in today’s world.
- Who is the Holy Spirit for me?
- How do I relate and experience his presence?
- How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life?
- What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit after listening to this personal testimony?
Novena Prayer (Gentleness)
O Holy Spirit, help me to learn from Christ, who is gentle and humble of heart (Mt. 11:29). Grant me self-dominion and control, so as never to be carried away by feelings of pride or the desire for attention, but always to reflect your kindness and love to all. Help me to know myself and accept myself as I am – a beloved child of God in whose image I am made – and to see others in the same light. Living in this light, make me peaceable, meek, and gentle with all those with whom I come in contact.
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 by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
“The Domestic Church and the Holy Spirit” by Jennifer Ristine, CRC:
Jennifer Ristine, CRC is currently stationed in the DC area serving as a contributor for the RC Spirituality Center. She is the author of Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala.
Take some time to ponder the mystery of God’s action through his Spirit in the events of your own life and ask for the light, strength, and love so sorely need in witnessing as a Christian in today’s world.
- Who is the Holy Spirit for me?
- How do I relate and experience his presence?
- How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life?
- What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit after listening to this personal testimony?
Novena Prayer (Self Control)
Spirit of freedom, release my heart from every form of bondage to inordinate desires and sensuality. Grant me the “freedom of the sons of God” (Rom 8: 21) so as to live in perfect self-control, docile to your will, and your inspirations. Grant me the honesty to call things by their name, to desire only what you desire, and never to negotiate with any thoughts, words, or actions which serve only to feed my self-love and to militate against your Kingdom.
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 by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
“The Gift of the Spirit: Goodness” by Fr. Daniel Brandenburg, LC:
Fr. Daniel Brandenburg, LC is currently serving as Chaplain of Regnum Christi men and The Lumen Institute in Atlanta, GA. He is the author of Journey to Joy: Reflections on the 7 Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Take some time to ponder the mystery of God’s action through his Spirit in the events of your own life and ask for the light, strength, and love so sorely need in witnessing as a Christian in today’s world.
- Who is the Holy Spirit for me?
- How do I relate and experience his presence?
- How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life?
- What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit after listening to this personal testimony?
Novena Prayer (Goodness)
Spirit of God, help me to set my eyes on the things of God and to always seek what is good. Grant me faith to seek the good of the intellect in seeking the Word of God, who is Truth. Grant me love to seek the good of the will by seeking union with yourself, who is the Bond of Love between the Father and Son. Grant me hope to aspire to the promises of our Good Father who invites me to live with Him forever in Heaven. Finally, Holy Spirit, by seeking all these things, grant me goodness of life, so as to reflect you to the world through my actions.
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 by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
“The Holy Spirit’s Desire for Unity” by Janet Lees:
Janet Lees has been married to her husband Tim for 36 years and they have 7 children and 12 grandchildren with the 13th on the way! She is a spiritual director in the Ohio Valley and feels so blessed to be on the Holy Ground of people’s souls!!
Take some time to ponder the mystery of God’s action through his Spirit in the events of your own life and ask for the light, strength, and love so sorely need in witnessing as a Christian in today’s world.
- Who is the Holy Spirit for me?
- How do I relate and experience his presence?
- How has the Holy Spirit impacted my life?
- What advice would I share to help someone grow in a relationship with the Holy Spirit after listening to this personal testimony?
Novena Prayer (Unity)
Spirit of unity, you came to draw all peoples together in the one Church of God at Pentecost. By uniting many peoples and making the Apostles understood in many languages, you undid the division wrought by sin at Babel. Come again to unite us together today, so that differences become only means of enrichment, and not of conflict. Draw humanity together with the bonds of love in a common faith. Help all people to partake in the full benefits of the one priesthood of Jesus Christ through the liturgy and the Sacraments. Make us all a single family, a holy people of God, living in the intimacy of union with the Holy Trinity for which we were made.
Amen.
