I have never been good at spontaneous prayers. If someone asks
me to say a prayer, my initial reaction is usually panic, and speakers “cramp”.
It always amazes me how some people can just come up with fabulous thoughtful prayers
on the spot. I mostly pray in private conversation with God. However, I am always
looking for prayers that speak to my heart and desire to understand myself better and to communicate with God at
a higher level. I have loads of Catholic themed books, yet I still struggle with
finding those “just right” prayers that speak to my heart.
My friend, Mary Lou gave me a little prayer book, the Saint Anthony
Prayer Book, from the Saint Lawrence
Seminary in Mount Calvary, WI.
I would like to share my favorite prayer from this booklet that
is short and sweet and speaks simply to the issues that need attention in my life
every day and every minute of the day.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart with your holy gifts. Let my
weakness be penetrated with your strength this very day, that I may fulfill all
the duties of my state conscientiously and that I may do what is right and just.
Let my charity be such as to offend no one and hurt no one’s
feelings: so generous as to pardon sincerely any wrong done to me.
Assist me, O Holy Spirit, in all my trials of life: enlighten
me in my ignorance; advise me in my doubts; strengthen me in my weakness; help me
in all my needs; protect me in temptations and console me in afflictions.
Graciously hear me, O Holy Spirit, and pour your light into my
heart, my soul and my mind. Help me to live a holy life and to grow in goodness
and grace. Amen.
God Bless,
Paula
