The Conclave to elect our new pope will begin on May 7. Each day we’ll be praying here on my blog for the wisdom and counsel of the Holy Spirit to guide us…
we hold Francis in our hearts,
in our memories and in our prayer:
welcome him home to the peace you promise,
the peace he preached,
the peace he prayed for all of us…
But even now, Lord,
5 days before the Conclave,
we pray you send your Holy Spirit
with power and blessings,
with wisdom, grace and sweet anointing
upon the whole Church,
especially on those who will pray and vote
to elect the one who next will be
the Bishop of Rome,
your Vicar on earth,
your Pontifex maximus, builder of bridges,
our Holy Father,
the servus servorum Dei,
the humble servant of the servants of God…
Send your Spirit’s gifts, O Lord, send:
wisdom to shape and inform good judgement;
understanding to interpret the signs of the times;
counsel to guide and direct the proceedings;
fortitude shown in moral strength;
knowledge to weigh what’s revealed and inspired;
awe before you, the source of all good;
and personal holiness, free of sin,
ready to do your will, O God…
Fill the Church with your Spirit, Lord,
to help us discern, to find and elect
the one who in all his words and deeds
will be faithful to you and your people…
Send us, Lord, a good shepherd
who will faithfully gather and guide us,
who will lead and direct us, showing the way
to you, your truth and your peace…
Protect us, Lord while we’re awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
Veni, Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit)
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
(Come, Holy Spirit!)
Come, Holy Spirit,
from heaven shine forth
with your glorious light.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
Come, Father of the poor,
come, generous Spirit,
come, light of our hearts.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
with your glorious light.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
Come, Father of the poor,
come, generous Spirit,
come, light of our hearts.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
Come from the four winds, O Spirit,
come breath of God;
disperse the shadows over us,
renew and strengthen your people.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
Most kindly warming light!
Enter the inmost depths of our hearts,
for we are faithful to you.
Without your presence
we have nothing worthy, nothing pure.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
You are our only comforter, Peace of the soul.
In the heat you shade us;
in our labor you refresh us,
And in trouble you are our strength.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
On all who put their trust in you
and receive you in faith,
shower all your gifts.
Grant that they may grow in you
and persevere to the end.
Give them lasting joy!
Veni, Sancte Spiritus!
