Most Catholics know that a novena is a private and/or public prayer to obtain special graces. Sometimes used to ask for special favors, and/or to make special petitions.
As the definition suggests, the novena has a sense of urgency and neediness to it. For example, when I first started my business I asked my mom and her friends to pray a Novena for our success.
Novena is derived from the Latin word novem, which, simply means nine. As in the nine days of the Novena because it should be said over the course of a nine-day period.
I use the following Novena to the Holy Spirit as a template for my novenas as it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His Mom and the Apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the first Pentecost.
I think EWTN.com said it best “The Novena to the Holy Spirit is the prototype of all novenas.”
Next to the novena to Our Lady of Fatima, this is my personal favorite. I hope you find Him in the following words.
Prayer for the Feast of Pentecost
O Holy Spirit, O my God, I adore Thee, and acknowledge, here in Thy divine presence, that I am nothing and can do nothing without Thee. Come, great Paraclete, Thou father of the poor, Thou comforter the best, fulfill the promise of our blessed Savior, Who would not leave us orphans, and come into the mind and the heart of Thy poor, unworthy creature, as Thou didst descend on the sacred day of Pentecost on the holy Mother of Jesus and on His first disciples.
Grant that I may participate in those gifts which Thou didst communicate to them so wonderfully, and with so much mercy and generosity. Take from my heart whatever is not pleasing to Thee, and make of it a worthy dwelling-place for Thyself.
Illumine my mind, that I may see and understand the things that are for my eternal good. Inflame my heart with pure love of Thee, that I may be cleansed from the cross of all inordinate attachments, and that my whole life may be hidden with Jesus in God. Strengthen my will, that I may be made conformable to Thy divine will, and be guided by Thy holy inspirations. Aid me by Thy grace to practice the divine lessons of humility, poverty, obedience, and contempt of the world, which Jesus taught us in His mortal life.
Oh, rend the heavens, and come down, consoling Spirit! that inspired and encouraged by Thee, I may faithfully comply with the duties of my state, carry my daily cross most patiently, and endeavor to accomplish the divine will with the utmost perfection. Spirit of love! Spirit of purity! Spirit of peace! Sanctify my soul more and more, and give me that heavenly peace which the world cannot give. Bless our Holy Father the Pope, bless the Church, bless our bishops, our priests, all Religious Orders, and all the faithful, that they may be filled with the spirit of Christ and labor earnestly for the spread of His kingdom.
O Holy Spirit, Thou Giver of every good and perfect gift, grant me, I beseech Thee, the intentions of this novena. May Thy will be done in me and through me. Mayest Thou be praised and glorified forevermore!
Amen.
Original text found in “With God a book of prayers and reflections” by Francis Xavier Lasance 1911