Prepare the Way

Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving ; at the same time, pray for us, too, that god may open a door for the word, to speak of the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, that I may make it clear as I must speak.   Colossians 4:2-4

 In 9 short days this field will become a place for hundreds of young adults to gather and encounter Our Lord, Jesus of Nazareth.  For many it will be their first encounter, for others a deeper revelation and receiving.   And to each of them .... He already knows the goodness of their hearts, He already knows their needs, their hopes, their joys, their struggles.  He knows their desire to meet Him, to talk with Him ...... for this is His desire, the desire He has written upon every heart.   It is overwhelming to experience even a taste of the longing of God for His Children.... the longing of the Father's heart that all would come to know of His great love through His Son, Jesus.    And that all might receive the fullness of the promise in the Holy Spirit, that precedes forth from the Father and the Son.   I pray that as you gaze upon that picture above, you too can anticipate the longing of the Father's heart for all those He will gather here.

The community here has been busy preparing spiritually and practically for the Brightlights Festival, a gathering of young adults that will be held in North London next weekend.   We will be serving at this festival, through the ministry of leading worship, proclaiming the gospel, and helping with formation and guidance to the local team of musicians and ministers.  Our hope, that all will be transformed through their encounter with Jesus Christ and that those chosen to serve Him in this place will become better equipped for all the work of building up the Church. 

The community here truly feels the communion with all of you praying.  They asked me to invite you to pray this novena that we are beginning today.... for the Brightlights Festival and all those who will be gathered.

Thank you all for your love and prayers.

Kristin 

 Holy Spirit Novena

Dearest Holy Spirit, confiding in Your deep, personal love for me, I am making this novena for the following request, if it be Your Holy Will to grant it: 
(mention your request).

Teach me, Divine Spirit, to know and seek my last end; grant me the holy fear of God; grant me true contrition and patience. 
Do not let me fall into sin. Give me an increase of faith, hope and charity, and bring forth in my soul all the virtues proper to my state in life.

Make me a faithful disciple of Jesus and an obedient child of the Church. Give me efficacious grace sufficient to keep the Commandments and to receive the Sacraments worthily. 
Give me the four Cardinal Virtues, Your Seven Gifts, Your Twelve Fruits. 
Raise me to perfection in the state of life to which You have called me and lead me through a happy death to everlasting life.
 I ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.