It has been a year since we have joined together praying the Novena to the Holy Spirit (Ghost) as a special intention for the church. Several of us are beginning to pray it together beginning Sat. Oct. 13th through Sun. Oct. 21st. If you are in some branch of the "Holy Catholic Church" which no longer refers to "beyond the local church organizations" as diocese please feel free to substitute "Districts", "Presbyters", "District Superintendents" or whatever terms are appropriate and more comfortable for you. God understands!!  He hears our hearts whenever we seek him.

I will post the Novena to Christ the Son in November for those who wish to join us in praying it in preparation for Advent.

NOVENA TO THE HOLY GHOST

A Novena is a nine day period of prayer in preparation for some particular feast, or to pray for some special object. It may be made by an individual or by a group, either in public or in private. The first novena was kept at the express command of the Risen Christ, by the Apostles, Mary, and the disciples in the Upper Room from the day of our Lord’s Ascension to Pentecost (Acts 1:12 to 14) 
NOVENA TO THE HOLY GHOST

Begin with this prayer each day

O Holy Spirit, my Lord and my God, I adore thee and humbly acknowledge here in thy sacred presence that I am nothing, and can do nothing, without thy operation within me. Come, great Paraclete, thou Father of the poor, thou Comforter of the blest, fulfill the promise of our Saviour, my mind and heart as thou didst descend on the day of Pentecost upon the holy Mother of Jesus and upon his first disciples. Grant that I may have a part in those gifts which thou didst so prodigally bestow upon them.

Take from my heart all that is not pleasing to thee and make it a worthy dwelling place for Jesus.

Illumine my mind, that I may see and understand the things that are for my eternal welfare.

Inflame my heart with pure love of the Father, that, cleansed from attachment to all unworthy objects, my whole life may be hidden with Jesus in God.

Strengthen my will, that it may be comfortable to the will of my Creator and guided by thy holy inspirations.

Aid me to practice the heavenly virtues of humility, poverty and obedience which are taught me by the earthly life of Jesus.

Descend upon me, O mighty Spirit, that, inspired and encouraged by thee, I may faithfully fulfill the duties of my state in life, carry my daily cross with patience and courage, and accomplish the Father’s will for me more perfectly. Make me, day by day, more holy and give to me that heavenly peace which the world cannot give.

O Holy Spirit, thou Giver of every good and perfect gift, grant to me the intentions of this novena of prayer. May the Father’s will be done in me and through me. And mayest thou, O mighty Spirit of the living God, be praised and glorified for ever and ever. Amen.

Veni Creator Spiritus

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 the eternal merit,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be they 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 tresspasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

OR USE THIS FORM FOR THE LORD'S PRAYER:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be you Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among 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.

Let us pray
O God, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people by sending to them the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Each of the nine days of the NOVENA, pray the prayer of the day from this section. If you miss a day, pray the prayer for that day the next time you pray the novena in addition to the prayer for the day.
Day One: Sat Oct 13

Come, O Holy Ghost, the Lord and Lifegiver; take up thy dwelling within my soul, and make of it thy sacred temple. Make me live by grace as an adopted son (daughter) of God. Pervade all the energies of my soul, and create in me a fountain of living water springing up into life everlasting.

Second Day: Sun Oct. 14

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, and power, and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Show me the way by which I may be able to attain to them, and possess them, and hold them hereafter, my own forever.

Third Day:  Mon Oct 15

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten my mind, that I may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation, and may merit at last to see the eternal light in thy light; and in the light of glory to have the clear vision of thee and the Father and the Son.

Fourth Day: Thu Oct 16

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good, turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the path of thy commandments to the goal of eternal life.

Fifth Day: Wed Oct 17

Come, O Spirit of Fortitude and give courage to my soul. Make my heart strong in all trials and in all distress, pouring forth abundantly into it thy gifts of strength, that I may be able to resist the attacks of the devil.

Sixth Day: Thr Oct 18

Come, O Spirit of Knowledge, and make me understand and despise the emptiness and nothingness of the world. Give me grace to use the world only for thy glory and the salvation of thy creatures. May I always be very faithful in putting thy rewards before every earthly gift.

Seventh Day: Fri Oct 19

Come, O Spirit of Piety, possess my heart; incline it to a true faith in thee, to a holy love of thee, my God, that with my whole soul I may seek thee, and find thee my best, my truest joy.

Eighth Day: Sat Oct 20

Come O Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever; and shun all things that can offend thee so that I may be made worthy to appear before the pure eyes of thy divine Majesty in the heaven of heavens, where thou livest and reignest in the unity of the Ever-blessed Trinity world without end. 

Ninth Day: Sun Oct 21

Come, O Holy Comforter, and grant me a relish for heavenly things. Produce in my soul the fruits of virtue, so that, being filled with all sweetness and joy in the pursuit of good, I may attain unto eternal blessedness.

Forty Days of Prayer for the Church

Will you please join with me in praying for the church for 40 days.

I am beginning my prayer cycle today: Sunday, Sept.23 and will end it November 1st. If you join late, just add days at the end of this cycle. Share these prayers with others as you feel led. 

For the Church

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Hear our prayers for Parish families and Dioceses and other organizations within your Body.

 O God, by your grace you have called people together in Parishes and Dioceses to  be a goodly fellowship of faith.  Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and  through Jesus Christ our Lord, grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live.

Send down upon bishops, other clergy and laity and upon the congregations and dioceses committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing that they may truly please thee. Grant this, O Lord, for the honor of our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ. 

Bless  Bishop(s) and other clergy, and all our people. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer and meditation of the day

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins

Think about the baggage carried from decisions and acts and failure to embrace that which God offers us.

Intercession Jan. 31, 2011

By Faith Chatham
Rev. Erroll Montgomery was in an automobile accident Sunday night in Biloxi, MS. He was transferred to the University of Southern Alabama University Medical Center in Mobile, ALa with for treatment for a "brain bleed." Please add him to your intercessory list.

God's Messages

By Faith Chatham - Jan. 2, 2011
Different branches of the Christian church allow varying amounts of lee way in what texts, collects, call to Worship, liturgy, Prayers of Confession are used on specific Sundays of the year. In the Anglican or Episcopal traditions, the rites are determined years prior to the Sunday when they are celebrated. It was always amazing how each week the psalms or collect seemed to fit perfectly with where many of those in the congregation were in our spiritual lives and earthly journey,

In the Methodist tradition, clergy has vast lee way in selection of form of worship and collects. They can choose between many or even write their own. For the past two worship services the words have hit me between the eyes. The selection today was from the watch night commitment service. I am sharing them with you below:

Call to Worship
O God, Searcher of all our heart, you have formed us as a people and claimed us for your own.
As we come to acknowledge your sovereginty and grace, and to enter anew into covenant with you, reveal any reluctance or falsehood within us.
Let your Spirit impress your truth on our inmost being, and receive us in mercy, for the sake of our Mediator, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. we have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against our love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Assurance of Pardon
Leader: Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; That proves God's love toward us.

Celebrating Our Covenant with God
Leader: Commit yourselves to Christ as his servants. Give yourselves to him, that you may belong to him. Christ has many services to be done. Some are more easy and honorable, others are more difficult and disgraceful. Some are suitable to our inclinations and interests, others are contrary to both. In some we may please Christ and please ourselves. But then there are other works where we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves. It is necessary, therefore, that we consider what it means to be a servant of Christ. Let us, therefore, go to Christ, and pray:
People: Let me be your servant, under your command
I will no longer be my own.
I will give up myself to your will in all things.

Leader: Be satisfied that Christ shall give you your place and work.

People: Lord, make me what you will.
I put myself fully into your hands:
Put me to doing, put me to suffering,
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
let me be full, let me be empty,
let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and with a willing heart
give it all to your pleasure and disposal.

Haiti: Dr. Fr. Frechette and Our Little Brothers and Sisters

By Faith Chatham - January 16, 2010


A few years ago, I rode from the airport to a mission conference with Father /Dr. Frechette, who runs an orphanage and hospital in Port au Prince, Haiti. We learned that we had mutual friends. I felt that I was in the presence of one of the most brilliant, humble men I'd probably ever meet. Even though our encounter was brief, I've never forgotten it. This week I thought of the Haitian people and of Fr./Dr. Frechette whose life is linked in love and service with them. I'd been impressed when a mutual friend told me that Fr. Frechette, an Anglican priest, went to medical school and became a physician so that he could help take care of the medical needs of the orphans he served.

Many people are seeking ways to help the Haitians. Our hearts lead us to seek reliable, efficient, focused conduits which are reliable partners who can receive what little we have to give and magnifying it through their day-in and day-out service in Haiti in combination with the resources others have entrusted to them in behalf of the people of that devastated island nation.

Yesterday, while watching news coverage of the Haiti, I saw footage of a doctor who works at the medical clinic Dr. Frechette operates in Port au Prince. Amazingly, while most other buildings fell to the ground, the Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs, French for “Our Little Brothers and Sisters,” hospital is intact. The doctor said "We are serving everyone who comes as best we can with what we have." He said: "We have shared our supplies freely with others who need them. We are out of everything. We need everything."

The Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs orphanage, inspired and founded in conjunction with Mother Teresa, and the hospital makes a practice of serving everyone, whether they can pay for medical services or not. They do not turn anyone away. They have served thousands of children and adults this week since the earthquake, and although medical supplies were in short supply and new provisions are slow coming into the earthquake demolished country, as long as they had medical supplies and medicine, they shared freely with other doctors and clinics who needed them.

Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs Hospital, was undamaged and open and was serving the sick and injured. I've seen footage of other clinics and hospitals which tumbled to the ground during the earthquake and/or some of the many aftershocks.My sister and her seriously injured colleague were treated in a make-shift tent because Port au Prince's largest hospital was too unstable to shelter patients. Seeing that the clinic /hospital operated by Fr. Frechette, the priest/physician with whom I'd shared a long airport limo ride over a decade ago, was standing, was undamaged, still in operation, while other clinics and hospitals in Port au Prince and most other communities within the earthquake zone, were reduced to rubble, I began thinking about that incredible conversation that I'd had with Father Frechette years ago about the orphans and work there in Haiti. Fr. Frechette is a friend of my dear friend, Fr. John Park, Dean of the Anglican Cathedral in Lima, Peru. Fr. Park was Archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras during Hurricane Mitch. This week in Haiti we are seeing devastation as great as we saw in Honduras when an earthquake hit that country simultaneously with the most devastating hurricane (Mitch) of region in our lifetime.

What I learned during Hurricane Mitch in Honduras, is that most NGO's come in, collect a lot of money from the public, and while the news cycle and world's attention is on a disaster, they "set up shop" and help for a while. Then they seem move on to some other crisis when the news cycle shifts to another part of the world. Most relief NGO's philosophy is that their mission isn't to improve the situation of the people but merely to try to help return them to the same state they were in before the disaster.

It seems to me that to make a real difference for the betterment of the people of the country, usually it takes people (and organizations) with deep ties in the community. It requires people with resources partnering with people who were there serving in the community/country before the disaster and whose devotion to the people keeps them there long after the world's attention has shifted to another disaster in another quadrant of the world. For the world to successfully partner with a country and make long-lasting, systemic, deep-rooted changes, it requires dedicated, determined, reliable, in-country partners who can direct and receive the resources offered by those of us from other communities/countries. I suspect that Fr. Frechette and the staff of Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (French for “Our Little Brothers and Sisters”) are reliable in-country partners who can magnify the resources of donors /volunteers from around the world and utilize them for the good of the most vulnerable people in Haiti.

Fr. Frechette is a brilliant man who thinks outside the box. He thinks of simple, direct ways to deliver needed services to the poor, destitute, working poor and most vulnerable people in the region. Instead of saying "It can't be done" he seeks solutions and finds ways to bring them within reach of those who need them. Whether it preventing disease by fortifying cornmeal with vitamins or going to medical school himself so that he can fill one of the shortages in the hospital which serves the orphans, Fr. Frechette is direct and focused on connecting the missing links to save lives and restore people.

Our Little Brothers and Sisters is a reliable partner to receive your donations and to multiply "your loaves and fishes" in caring for the custodial and needs of hundreds of the orphans of Haiti and providing affordable (or free) medical care for thousands of adults and children each year in the clinic in Port au Prince.

The physician interviewed this week at Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs, said that they have depleted all their medicine and supplies. If you want to help the people of Haiti, and put your money where it will make a difference, I recommend that you consider donating to
Some of us go into a country for a short time and give what we can. We need those who are part of the fabric of the nation who have integrity, and comprehend the history and culture of the country, and are able to prioritize the needs of the people and critical steps in receiving resources and directing volunteers and permanent staff in filling the needs of the people.

Not everyone is called to be a missionary or to serve with NGO's in other countries. However, each of us has something we can share which will equip and enable others to serve. We need not do much. Together a little bit can make just the amount of difference needed by someone else to help save a life, to enable, inspire and/ or encourage another to extend a hand to bridge the gap between what is and what must be done in each incredible hour, whether crisis or "business as usual."

Trust

From "A Future and A Hope" by Lloyd Ogilvie, copyright 1988 by Word, Inc. pp. 57-58

The other day I reread the ninth chapter of Isaiah. The words of the prophet leaped off the page, "The government will be upon His shoulder... and of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end..." (Isa. 9:6-9)

I wondered, is the government of my life upon the shoulders of the reigning Christ? Have I intentionally placed the concerns, challenges, people and the projects of my life on Him for His management? Do I want Him to take charge?

Having asked those questions, I sat back in my chair and laughed out loud. How stupid to live with a mess of stress when the Savior of the world has offered to run my life. He has limitless resources: all power in heaven and earth, authority to arrange circumstances, people to deploy to help, and knowledge of the future. Best of all, He gives us Himself -- unfailing Friend, gracious Comforter, and forgiving Saviour. The asurance of Christ's intervention gives us hope.

NOVENA IN PRAISE OF THE SON

OPENING PRAYER - To be prayed daily

Lord God, clothe us with the goodness of your Son, and let his love be a mark upon our lives, a sign that we may be his followers. May we always become more similar to him. May we grow in our ability to give and receive love, and to recognize the many signs of your love in our world. Through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER - To be prayed daily

Say the Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary... and Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. Then close each day's Novena with this prayer:
O God, in your immense goodness you allow us to be one in Christ, united with our sisters and brothers. Living in Christ and forming one body through him, and in him, may we together become more attentive to your presence in our daily lives. through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

DAY ONE:

Pray Opening Prayer

Jesus Is Son of God

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us
and we saw his glory,
glory as of the only begotten of the Father
full of grace and truth
No one has ever seen God,
who is in the bosom of the Father,
he has revealed him.
John 1:14, 18

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them and,
behold, a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom
I am well pleased; hear him!"
Matthew 17:5

To recall throughout the day

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. He chose us in Christ before the foundations of the world to be holy and blameless before him. In his love he destined us beforehand to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose and desire of his will, to the praise of the glorious grace he bestowed upon us in his Beloved.
Ephesians 1:3-6

Pray Closing Prayer

DAY TWO

Salvation Is in Jesus

Pray Opening Prayer

For God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten Son,
so that everyone who believed in him
would not die
but have eternal life.
John 3-16

Salvation comes from no one else, for no other name under Heaven has been given to us by which we may be saved.
Acts 4:12

To recall throughout the day

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him. In his love he destined us beforehand to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose and desire of his will, to the praise of the glorious grace he bestowed upon us in his Beloved.
Ephesians 1:3-6

Pray Closing Prayer.


DAY THREE

Jesus Rewards All Good

Pray Opening Prayer

For meditation

"Therefore, whoever acknowledges me before me,
I, too, will acknowledge them before my Father in Heaven."
Matthew 10:32

"And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, amen, I say to you, he will not lose his reward."
Matthew 10:42

"But love those who hate you,
do good, and lend expecting nothing,
and your reward will be great..."
Luke 6:35-36

To recall throughout the day

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him. In his love he destined us beforehand to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose and desire of his will, to the praise of the glorious grace he bestowed upon us in his Beloved.
Ephesians 1:3-6

Pray closing prayer

DAY FOUR

Jesus Quenches Our Thirst

Pray Opening Prayer

For meditation

"If anyone thirsts,
let him come to me and drink!
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture said,

From within him shall flow
rivers of living water!

---John 7:37-38

For the Lamb in the center of the throne
will shepherd them
and guide them to the springs of living water,
and God will wipe every tear
from their eyes.
-- Revelation 7:17

And let whoever hears say, "Come!"
Come, whoever is thirsty,
whoever wants to receive the gifts of
living water!
--Revelation 22:17

To recall throughout the day

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Lord who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him. In his love he destined us beforehand to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose and desire of his will, to the praise of the glorious grace he bestowed upon us in his Beloved.
-- Ephesians 1:3-6

Pray Closing Prayer

DAY FIVE

Jesus Is Full of Compassion for Us

Pray opening prayer

For medition

When he disembarked he saw a large crowd, and he was moved with pity for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.
---Mark 6:34

Then he ordered them all to recline in groups on the green grass, and they sat down in groups of a hundred and fifty. Taking the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to Heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and kept giving them to the disciples to distribute to the people, and he divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were filled, and they filled twelve baskets with what was left...
-- Mark 6:39-43

To recall throughout the day

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him. In his love he destined us beforehand to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose and desire of his will, to the praise of the glorious grace he bestowed upon us in his Beloved.
-- Ephesians 1:3-6

Pray Closing Prayer


DAY SIX

Pray opening prayer

For meditation

Jesus said to them,
"I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me shall not hunger,
and whoever believes in me
shall never thirst."
-- John 6:35

Jesus spoke to them again and said,
"I am the light of the world;
whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life."
-- John 8:12

Jesus said to him,
"I am the way and the truth and the life;
no one comes to the Father except through me."
-- John 14:6

To recall throughout the day

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. He chose us in Christ before the foundations of the world to be holy and blameless before him. In his love he destined us beforehand to be his adopted to the purpose and desire of his will, to the praise of the glorious grace he bestowed upon us in his Beloved.
-- Ephesians 1:3-6

Pray Closing Prayer


DAY SEVEN:

Pray Opening Prayer

Jesus Has Power

For meditation

Now when John heard in prison about the works of the Messiah he sent by means of his disciples and said to him, "Are you he who is to come, or are we to expect another?"

In answer Jesus said to them, "Go tell John what you hear and see:
The blind can see again and the lame walk, lepers are made clean and the deaf hear,
the dead are raised and the poor are given the good news;
and blessed is whoever is not scandalized by me."
-- Matthew 11:2-6

"All things have been given to me by my Father,
... no one knows the Son except the Father,
nor does anyone know the Father except the Son,
and to whomever the Son chooses to reveal him."
-- Matthew 11:27

To recall throughout the day

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. He chose us in Christ before the foundations of the world to be holy and blameless before him. In his love he destined us beforehand to be his adopted to the purpose and desire of his will, to the praise of the glorious grace he bestowed upon us in his Beloved.
-- Ephesians 1:3-6

Pray Closing Prayer


DAY EIGHT:

Pray Opening Prayer

Jesus Forgives and Cures Us

For meditation

And behold, they brought him a paralytic who was lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take courage, child, your sins are forgiven!"
-- Matthew 9-2

And, behold, a woman who had had a chronic bleeding for twelve years came up and touched the tassel of his cloak from behind, for she said to herself,

"If I just touch his cloak I'll be saved."

But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said,
"Take courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you!"
And the woman was saved from that hour.
-- Matthew 9:10-22

To recall throughout the day

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. He chose us in Christ before the foundations of the world to be holy and blameless before him. In his love he destined us beforehand to be his adopted to the purpose and desire of his will, to the praise of the glorious grace he bestowed upon us in his Beloved.
-- Ephesians 1:3-6

Pray Closing Prayer


DAY NINE:

Pray Opening Prayer

We are Disciples of Jesus

For meditation

Then he called the crowd to him, along with his disciples, and said to them,

"If anyone would be my disciple, he must deny himself
and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever would save his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake
and the sake of the good news
will save it.
For what good does it do to gain
the whole world yet forfeit your life!"

--Mark 8-34-36

"In this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."
--John 15-8

To recall throughout the day

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. He chose us in Christ before the foundations of the world to be holy and blameless before him. In his love he destined us beforehand to be his adopted to the purpose and desire of his will, to the praise of the glorious grace he bestowed upon us in his Beloved.
-- Ephesians 1:3-6

Pray Closing Prayer

copyright 2000 Boston, MASS by Daughters of St. Paul


See also Novena to the Holy Ghost

Alexander Crummell, Priest, Missionary, Educator 10 September 1898

Alexander Crummell was born in New York City in 1819, and wished to study for the priesthood, but received many rebuffs because he was black. He was ordained in the Diocese of Massachusets in 1844, when he was 25 years old, but was excluded from a meeting of priests of the diocese, and decided to go to England. After graduating from Cambridge, he went to Liberia, an African country founded under American asupices for the repatriation of freed slaves. Crummell hoped to see established in Liberia a black Christian republic, combining the best of European and African culture, and led by a Western-educated black bishop. He visited the United States and urged blacks to join him in Liberia and and swell the ranks of the Church there. His work in Liberia ran into opposition and indifference, and he returned to the United States, where he undertook the founding and strengthening of urban black congregations that would provide worship, education, and social services for their communities. When some bishops proposed a separate missionary district for black parishes, he organized a group, now known as the Union of Black Episcopalians, to fight the proposal.

written by James Kiefer

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your servant Alexander Crummell, whom you called to preach the Gospel to those who were far off and to those who were near. Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Intercessory Fall 2009

By Faith Chatham - September 2009
We pray Father, for those who are lost and bewildered,
For those who are angry and confused,
For those who seek You and those who are running away.
We pray Father, for those who are displaced
and for those who fear being displaced.
We pray for those who are mistaken and for those who are sure.
We pray that your comfort and forgiveness will fill our hearts
and we will comfort and forgive others.
We pray that any Spirit other than your Holy Spirit will be dispelled
from your houses of worship, your people, and your land.
We accept You Father and reach for You
through Your Grace.
Please fill us anew.
May we come together in Your Spirit
to serve and worship and know that as You atone for me,
there is no one beyond your reach.
O Father God, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Prayer Intercessory List

From Bishop Lloyd Emmanuel Allen of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras:

We are in Prayer vigil asking God to look over Honduras in the midst of the uncertainty of this political Crisis, Pray for us.

For the Institution of Bishop Duncan as Archbishop of the Northern Providence of the AAC:

We pray for the Bishops and clergy and congregations of the AAC and other branches of the Anglican Communion as they celebrate the institution of the new providence in North America.
May God's will be done in the hearts and work of this body of Christians.

For settlement of property disputes between congregations and dioceses in North America:

May God's will be done
May His wisdom prevail over who will be the best stewards of his gifts
May those who God anoints for service be equipped for His purpose
May those who are displaced find understanding, consolation and renewal
May those who grieve, go to the Father and be comforted
May hearts which are broken come unto the Father and be restored
May those who triumph be humble and compassionate
May the needy not be forgotten or dismissed
May Christ's body focus on the "main thing" and not be deterred from the real purpose of institutions, congregations and baptism.
May we rejoice and know that the Lord is God.

For Presiding Bishop Katherine and the Bishops and clergy and congregations of the Episcopal Church USA:

May God reign in all hearts and works individually and together.

For all branches of the Dioceses of Quincey, San Joaquin, Fort Worth and others which have "split":

May God direct, guide, and protect each and every child of God during our "reorganization" and reformation.
May God's peace emerge victorious in as all branches seek Him and in acting, individually and corporately.
May His Holy guidance be received and bear fruit.

As we listen in prayer may we be renewed
As we are fed, may we feed others
As we are comforted, may we comfort

May prayer bring knowing
May knowing Him bring faith
May faith bring obedience
May prayer, knowing, faith and obedience bring action.
May we grow in Oneness in Him.

"May all the intercessors who read this listen with you knowing that "those who seek Him will truly find Him."


Procession at Institution of Archbishop Duncan AAC:

Video clip by BabyBlue

Technorati Profile

From Peru - Through the Eyes of Episcopal Missionaries in Peru

Fr. John and Susan Park are SAMS Missionaries stationed in Peru.


Dear Friends in Christ,

160 YEARS/60 YEARS
In May, Good Shepherd congregation, where we serve here in Lima, celebrated 160 years of existence and 60 years since the dedication of its current building. We are the oldest non-Roman Catholic church in the country. Originally it couldn't even look like a church on the outside. Our current building looks very much like an English church, as that is what we were until only about 10 years ago. Our Spanish-language ministry is now stronger than ever. But we have just lost Fr Juan Bernardo and Maria Isabel Marentes to Belize. They have accepted a call there to serve in a bilingual church and will begin there this month. Please pray for their transition as well as for our Spanish-speaking congregation here.

John has been busy each month with different activities to celebrate the anniversary and to reach out to the community. On Twelfth Night in January, we held a Christmas service of Lessons and Carols. February brought a Christian music concert by Nazareno (a group from one of our shanty town churches). In March, we had a movie night showing "On the Town" with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, from 1949 when the church was dedicated, and in April, a formal tea for the older members of the congregation and their friends,

May's anniversary weekend we had a formal dinner, ordinations, and celebration eucharists in Spanish and English. The dinner on Friday brought together many people who had a history with the church, including some who flew in from the United States and brought pictures of the first services held in the building. Members of the congregation put together a fabulous time line of the history of the church. We had a buffet with typical Peruvian food and dancers and musicians performed throughout the evening. One of our desserts for the evening was Suspiro al Lime–o. It's a very sweet dessert made with evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk cooked together with egg yolks. Then it is topped with a meringue that has a syrup made with pisco mixed in and sprinkled with cinnamon. See the website for the recipe, I'm adding a recipe section!

On Saturday, our deacon from the English congregation, Anderson Sanchez, was ordained to the priesthood along with Ruben Mancilla who works in the mission church in Juliaca in the south of the country. The Cathedral's lay minister Pastor Zevallos from the Spanish congregation was ordained to the diaconate. He currently serves as head of the diocesan NGO (non-governmental organization) where all our special ministries are located. I will try to put some of those photos up on the website soon.

Then Sunday both the English and Spanish congregations had special eucharists with our Bishop Bill Godfrey celebrating. We had put together a special choir just for the occasion and sang an anthem during communion. That way the two of us who teach Sunday School could be back in time to sing!

John also leads a Bible Club, which is a Bible study in English for those who speak English as a second language. It is small, but there are several regulars who are improving their English skills while they study the Bible.


SMINAERY AND MENTOR GROUP
I (Susan) continue to be active in the seminary. This year the mentor group now meets each week rather than every other week. It gives us a chance to do more praying together with each other as well as giving more of the women a chance to talk. We tackle some of the issues that they face ministering in their churches and families. Many of them are the first Anglicans in their families and they are eager to lead others to Christ.

Last year, I was asked to teach an English class at the seminary, but there wasn't time just then. So when this school year started in March, we began an English class specifically targeted for conversing with visiting groups. So our lessons are greetings, family, food, housing, medical, and construction, all of which are themes which they encounter with visitors. It's something I enjoy doing and try to make it interesting for them. They learned their alphabet quickly when they got to use M&Ms to cover the letters!

TEAMS
Earlier this year the bishop called a meeting of all the people who deal with teams that come to help in the diocese. Each of the different areas; medical, educational, seminary, construction, and Arequipa had people working with them, but there was no particular coordinator as that person had left the diocese. The bishop asked who was in charge overall and there was a pregnant pause. Then I spoke up and said, "Well Bishop, you need to appoint someone." He laughed and said, "I had decided that the person who spoke up first was it. All in favor say Aye." So now I coordinate all the visiting teams for Lima. Thank goodness, we have a very able group of people who can help me handle all the different areas. I'm still learning a lot and Vicki (SAMS missionary in Arequipa) has been an invaluable resource when I call for help.

This past week, the first team ever to serve in the northern cone of the city of Lima is here. Holy Nativity from Plano, Texas is doing a VBS with children in a shanty town. The team leader, Fr Noe Mendez, was ordained to the priesthood on Wednesday before coming and celebrated his first eucharist here on Sunday at the church where they are working, Jesus, Fount of Life. The team wowed the congregation by singing a song for them in Spanish. They're real troopers having already lost all their luggage (they finally got it back the next night), gotten lost on the way back from church, and had a flat tire in the first 24 hours here.

The northern area, Trinity deanery, has 5 congregations, widely scattered and divided by mountains, none of which has a church building. They all meet in houses of people who attend the church, or in buildings made with woven cane mats or wood slats taken from packing crates, or just open air sandwiched in between the neighbors walls.

We had a get-together with all the clergy and lay leaders from the deanery with the team. Some of them traveled 3 hours on buses just to meet the team and talk with them about the work in their churches. At the end, the team invited the 7 people to join them for lunch. Our cook, who had prepared for 16, suddenly had 23. We had to send out for paper plates as we didn't have enough regular ones. There was enough food for everyone with some left over. God is so good!

In addition to the teams, we've had several new missionaries come to the diocese in the last few months whom I have helped get settled in and find the things they need. They're all studying in language school. The Lord is really positioning us as a diocese for a great move.

DIOCESE
John serves on several committees which help the bishop. Most recently they have been revising the canons (church laws) which govern the Anglican Church here. Another problem is that anytime the church's constitution changes, we have to send it to the government for their approval. They are trying to make it as simple as possible and put all the internal dealings in the canons, instead of in the part that the government has to approve.

One move forward for our diocese came about with our last synod meeting. We have received approval from the Province of the Southern Cone (of which our diocese is a part) to elect suffragan bishops. These bishops will assist Bp Godfrey and be missionary bishops to the areas that the diocese already has work and to other areas where it is expanding. Please pray for the committee as they work to bring this about.

FAMILY
John and I have adapted to being "empty-nesters" with both fellows in the US now. The internet helps us to be able to keep in touch on a regular basis.

We were blessed by a three-week visit from Robert in May whose part-time job as valet for Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh was phased out due to their move to a new area and building. It allowed him to have the free time to come. He was able to "tele-commute" with his job at Rock the World Youth Mission organization while he was here. He's hoping to go to Thailand with them in August to serve on a team ministering to teenage children of missionaries there. To that end, he needs to raise his funds to be able to go. Please pray for this. We were blessed to have him serve as the acolyte for the ordinations and anniversary weekend. Everyone commented on how great it was to have him back.

James successfully finished his first year at Chapman University. He was able to get quite a few credits for his work in the International Baccalaureate program as well as carrying a full load. While he originally went with the intention of majoring in Computer science, with a minor in computer games, the family "theatre bug" has bitten him hard. While here in Peru, both at school and in community theatre, he performed both in English and in Spanish. At university, he's discovered the technical aspects of the stage and has even directed three plays already! We're not sure where it will all lead yet, but he's taking more theatre courses this coming year. We are blessed that he is spending the summer with Susan's sister, Liz and his brother in Pittsburgh. He's even gotten a summer job already, at GameStop, no less.

Our house is seldom empty though. Mary Ann, whose daughter Alenda was murdered a year ago, is living upstairs in what will eventually become the cathedral offices while she makes preparations to return home to South Africa. She regularly attends the Morning and Evening Prayer services at the cathedral. Please pray for closure as Alenda's case has still not come to trial. Thank God that she is handling it all well.

Joan comes around several times a week. Her memory is slipping more as she forgets even events from the more distant past. She was concerned that she was "having trouble seeing out of this eye"; the one she had lost many years ago. She's always eager to help when she comes for a visit, so I often let her chop the vegetables for lunch or help fold the sheets. Thank God, she can still find her way back and forth from the home. We know the day is coming soon, when she will need help with this. The Lord has been working on her heart and she is a much more pleasant person than she used to be.

Lidia regularly comes to Wednesday eucharists. We often have a bible study and will translate a verse or two into English for her to study. She really has a gift for languages. She's been taking cooking lessons with me on how to use her "magic oven" and she helps prepare the meal and then eats lunch with us. She is more confident and beginning to have friends with more of the women that she comes in contact with. Her prayers are much more about her blessings now and much less of the "poor me, guess I'll go eat worms" variety. Please pray for how Susan can best help her.

BEING MISSIONARIES
Serving our Lord in Peru is an absolute joy for us. It is hard to believe that we have been here almost 5 years already. Our work continually changes and evolves and blesses us in so many ways. Thank you for making it possible. Please know that we pray for you all regularly as you are our lifeline. Our being here depends on your prayers and support. We know that the situation in the US has been difficult all around, so we feel doubly blessed by your participation in our ministry here. Your prayers encourage us and your financial support sustains us. We know that you have many appeals for your help from many different areas and we know that you consider prayerfully what you are able to do. Our SAMS account is very low right now, so any donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for being a part of our ministry.

I'm still working on learning how to do our web page, but hopefully, it will have pictures on it soon. Check it out.
ParkPeru.org


PLEASE GIVE THANKS FOR--
--the visit of our son Robert
--James's successful first year of college and a summer job
--mission teams which enrich our diocese
--new missionaries coming to help
--Lidia's continual growth in her walk with the Lord
--Bp William's continued good health

PLEASE PRAY FOR--
--our Spanish congregation as they adapt to a new ministry team
--the government's approval of our churches' constitutions
--the committee which is preparing for the search for candidates for suffragan bishops
--Susan's work with the teams and all the details that are involved
--John's work with the cathedral, especially the anniversary celebrations
--Joan as she gets more frustrated about forgetting things
--Mary Ann that things will be resolved quickly that she may return home
--Robert's finances that he may join the Thailand team

Blessings,
Susan for the family

Blessings,
Susan for the family

"Even when things are out of our control,
they are never out of God's control."

Vonage line--412-567-5300 (US telephone-rings in Peru)

John+ & Susan Park
johnpark@sams-usa.org
susanpark@sams-usa.org

Tax-deductible contributions to our ministry in Peru may be made on line at http://www.sams-usa.org or by sending a check payable to SAMS (with Park in the memo line) to
SAMS
PO Box 399
Ambridge PA 15003

You can also arrange for automatic deductions from your bank account or for automatic charges to your credit card. If you wish to do so, please call SAMS at 724-266-0669.

In Canada, tax deductible contributions may be online at
http://www.samscanada.ca
Or you may send cheques to:
SAMS-Canada
PO Box 21082
Barrie, ON L4M 6J1
--------------------------

Saint for Feb. 7 - Parthenios

Today as a diocese is formed, an interim bishop is elected and installed, and the new building at St. Christopher's is blessed, may we consider the life of Saint Parthenios, whose Saint's day is Feb. 7th.

Hierarch Parthenios, bishop of Lampsacus, was a native of the town of Melitopolis (Asia Minor), where his father, Christodulus, served as a deacon. Parthenius was not taught letters, but he assimilated Divine Scripture well, being present in church at the divine services. He had a good heart, and, engaging in fishing, he distributed the money he earned to the poor.

Filled with God's grace, from the age of eighteen, Parthenios healed illnesses, expelled demons and worked other miracles through Christ's name.

Having learned of the Parthenios' virtuous life, the bishop of Melitopolis, Philip, gave him an education and ordained him a presbyter. In 325, during the reign of Constantine the Great, the archbishop of Cyzicus, Ascholios (Achilles), installed Parthenios as bishop of the town of Lampsacus (Asia Minor). He converted his episcopal town to the Christian faith.

Parthenios went to the Emperor Constantine asking to be given authority to demolish the temples of the idols and build Christian churches in their place. The Emperor received Parthenios with honor, gave him a document for the destruction of the temples, and provided him with means for the construction of a church. Upon returning to Lampsacus, Parthenios ordered that the temples of the idols be demolished and that a beautiful church of God be raised up in the middle of the town.

Finding at one of the destroyed temples a large stone suitable for constructing the holy altar in the church, Parthenios ordered that the stone be dressed and brought to the church's building site. Through the malice of the devil, who had become enraged over the taking of the stone from the temple, the conveyance overturned and the stone killed the driver, Eutychian; but, Parthenios resurrected him through prayer and put the devil to shame.

Parthenios' mercy was so great that he did not refuse healing to any of the multitude of people suffering from bodily ailments and possessed by unclean spirits that came to him or were encountered by him on the roads. The people stopped turning to physicians, since Parthenios healed all illnesses in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ without remuneration. By the great power of Christ's name, Parthenios expelled a multitude of demons from people, houses, and the waters of the sea. When Parthenios expelled a demon from a man who had been possessed by it from childhood, the unclean spirit began to ask Parthenios to give him another place of habitation. Parthenios promised to indicate such a place and, having opened his mouth, said to the demon: "Enter and inhabit me." The devil, as if singed by fire, cried out: "How shall I enter into God's house?" and hid himself in deserted and impassable places. An unclean spirit, expelled by Parthenios from a home where royal purples were manufactured, shouted in the hearing of everyone that the divine fire was driving him into the fiery Gehenna.

Thus, manifesting to men the great power of faith in Christ, Parthenios converted a multitude of idolators to the true God.

Parthenius departed peacefully and was triumphantly buried next to the cathedral church of Lampsacus, in a chapel built by him himself.

PRAYER:

O God, our heavenly Father, who didst raise up thy faithful servant Parthenios., to be a bishop and pastor in thy Church and to feed thy flock: Give abundantly to all pastors the gifts of thy Holy Spirit, that they may minister in thy household as true servants of Christ and stewards of thy divine mysteries; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

SOURCE: Mission Clare

NOVENA TO THE HOLY GHOST

A Novena is a nine day period of prayer in preparation for some particular feast, or to pray for some special object. It may be made by an individual or by a group, either in public or in private. The first novena was kept at the express command of the Risen Christ, by the Apostles, Mary, and the disciples in the Upper Room from the day of our Lord’s Ascension to Pentecost (Acts 1:12 to 14) In preparation for the special convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, the Novena prayers should begin on Thursday, January 29th.

NOVENA TO THE HOLY GHOST

Begin with this prayer each day

O Holy Spirit, my Lord and my God, I adore thee and humbly acknowledge here in thy sacred presence that I am nothing, and can do nothing, without thy operation within me. Come, great Paraclete, thou Father of the poor, thou Comforter of the blest, fulfill the promise of our Saviour, my mind and heart as thou didst descend on the day of Pentecost upon the holy Mother of Jesus and upon his first disciples. Grant that I may have a part in those gifts which thou didst so prodigally bestow upon them.

Take from my heart all that is not pleasing to thee and make it a worthy dwelling place for Jesus.

Illumine my mind, that I may see and understand the things that are for my eternal welfare.

Inflame my heart with pure love of the Father, that, cleansed from attachment to all unworthy objects, my whole life may be hidden with Jesus in God.

Strengthen my will, that it may be comfortable to the will of my Creator and guided by thy holy inspirations.

Aid me to practice the heavenly virtues of humility, poverty and obedience which are taught me by the earthly life of Jesus.

Descend upon me, O mighty Spirit, that, inspired and encouraged by thee, I may faithfully fulfill the duties of my state in life, carry my daily cross with patience and courage, and accomplish the Father’s will for me more perfectly. Make me, day by day, more holy and give to me that heavenly peace which the world cannot give.

O Holy Spirit, thou Giver of every good and perfect gift, grant to me the intentions of this novena of prayer. May the Father’s will be done in me and through me. And mayest thou, O mighty Spirit of the living God, be praised and glorified for ever and ever. Amen.

Veni Creator Spiritus

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 the eternal merit,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be they 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 tresspasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

OR USE THIS FORM FOR THE LORD'S PRAYER:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be you Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among 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.

Let us pray
O God, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people by sending to them the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Each of the nine days of the NOVENA, pray the prayer of the day from this section. If you miss a day, pray the prayer for that day the next time you pray the novena in addition to the prayer for the day. Conclude each day with the prayers for a church convention, selection of a bishop and for church unity after the prayers for the day.:

Day One: Thur. Jan. 29

Come, O Holy Ghost, the Lord and Lifegiver; take up thy dwelling within my soul, and make of it thy sacred temple. Make me live by grace as an adopted son (daughter) of God. Pervade all the energies of my soul, and create in me a fountain of living water springing up into life everlasting.

Second Day: Fri. Jan. 30

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, and power, and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Show me the way by which I may be able to attain to them, and possess them, and hold them hereafter, my own forever.

Third Day: Sat. Jan. 31

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten my mind, that I may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation, and may merit at last to see the eternal light in thy light; and in the light of glory to have the clear vision of thee and the Father and the Son.

Fourth Day: Sun. Feb. 1

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good, turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the path of thy commandments to the goal of eternal life.

Fifth Day: Mon. Feb. 2

Come, O Spirit of Fortitude and give courage to my soul. Make my heart strong in all trials and in all distress, pouring forth abundantly into it thy gifts of strength, that I may be able to resist the attacks of the devil.

Sixth Day: Tue. Feb. 3

Come, O Spirit of Knowledge, and make me understand and despise the emptiness and nothingness of the world. Give me grace to use the world only for thy glory and the salvation of thy creatures. May I always be very faithful in putting thy rewards before every earthly gift.

Seventh Day: Wed. Feb. 4

Come, O Spirit of Piety, possess my heart; incline it to a true faith in thee, to a holy love of thee, my God, that with my whole soul I may seek thee, and find thee my best, my truest joy.

Eighth Day: Thurs. Feb. 5

Come O Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever; and shun all things that can offend thee so that I may be made worthy to appear before the pure eyes of thy divine Majesty in the heaven of heavens, where thou livest and reignest in the unity of the Ever-blessed Trinity world without end.

Ninth Day: Fri. Feb. 6

Come, O Holy Comforter, and grant me a relish for heavenly things. Produce in my soul the fruits of virtue, so that, being filled with all sweetness and joy in the pursuit of good, I may attain unto eternal blessedness.

Conclude with these prayers every day:

For a Church Convention or Meeting

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in the Special Convention for the renewal and mission of your Church.
Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory.
Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Election of a Bishop or other Minister

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Unity of the Church

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Novena to the Holy Spirit is an excerpt from St. Augustine’s Prayer Book, Revised Edition, The Rev. Loren Gavitt, Editor, Holy Cross Publications, West Park, New York. Dates preceding the Special Convention Feb. 7, 2009 have been inserted to help intercessors know what day to start praying the novena and when to pray specific prayers.

The Prayers for A Church Convention, For Election of Bishop and For Church Unity are from the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

See also Novena in Praise of the Son