Day 2: Gift of Wisdom

Reflection

We might think of an intellectual kind of knowledge when we think of wisdom. But true wisdom consists of a different kind of knowledge of the divine. And it is more than that. It also produces in us a similarity to God through the bond of love between us and Him, which is a pure delight to our souls. To cultivate the gift of wisdom, Fr. Gabriel advises gently preparing our hearts for this magnificent love, while acquiring a profound humility of spirit.

“The gift of wisdom acts somewhat like the rays of the sun which give heat and light at the same time. Its warmth quickens charity in the soul, and through this enkindling of love, the soul is enlightened concerning the divine realities and is enabled to judge of them, because it knows intuitively their infinite goodness and their absolute superiority over all created things. ‘Oh, the depth of the riches of…God!’ (Rom 11, 33). This is the cry of the soul inflamed and illumined by the gift of wisdom.”

- Divine Intimacy, by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D.

Intention

Let us ask for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit to flourish in our souls, so we can recognize His promptings and respond generously to God’s holy will.

Novena Prayer

Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit

To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees I before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

To be recited daily during the Novena

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You  and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.