Pentecost Novena – Day 8

Intention

Today we pray for the grace to be people of courage.

Opening prayer

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 will renew the face of the earth.

Scripture

“In the evening of the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, 'Peace be with you,' and, after showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.' After saying this he breathed on them and said: 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'” (John 20:19-22)

Reflection

As the disciples gather on the first day of the week, the Gospel of John tells us that the doors of the room were locked. Jesus has been crucified and the disciples are afraid and hiding. Then the Risen Jesus appears and breathes on them, and they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. They are filled with courage as they embark on their mission to proclaim his love and share his compassion for all creation.

We too, perhaps, sometimes find ourselves behind the locked door of fear. Today let’s invite the Holy Spirit to pour into us the gift of courage, so as Christ’s body we may know and love our neighbours, act justly, make peace and care for creation.

To ponder today

Take time today to breathe mindfully – breathing in God’s spirit and breathing out God’s love.

Prayer

Come Holy Spirit,
blow away division and despair.
Light your flame of courage and hope in us
and warm our hearts with wisdom and love.

Be our Helper, as we seek your ways of justice.
Be our Comforter, as we share your peace with our wounded world.
Be our Advocate, as we call for the fullness of life for all. Amen.

Action

Pray for peace in situations of fear, conflict and tension. You may like to use our prayers as inspiration.