“Rising” prayers  

To launch your day, say three morning prayers: 

The Our Father, to declare your identity and priorities as his divine son or daughter. 

 The WIT Prayer, to unite yourself to Jesus all day long: “Lord, live this day with me, live this day in me, live this day through me. Let me think with your thoughts, and speak with your words, and act as your body on earth.” 

 The “Come Holy Spirit…”   There is no better time than the Easter season to memorize and begin to recite daily this traditional prayer. We offer here an expanded and enhanced version, one well worth the trouble to learn: 

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.  

Enkindle in us the fire of your divine love. 

Send forth your Spirit, Lord, and our hearts will be regenerated. And you will renew the face of the earth!  

God, by the light of the Holy Spirit, you instruct the hearts of the faithful. 

Grant us the Gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Family Spirit, Courage, and Awe of the Lord 

That we may not be conformed to this world, 

But transformed by the renewal of our minds, 

So that we might discern what is good, and acceptable to God, and perfect; 

And so be the aroma of Christ in the world 

Through Love, Joy, Peace, Patient Endurance, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and the Self-Control of total surrender to God.  

Start your day affirming your relationship with the Father, Son, and Spirit. Absorb the meaning of the words. 

— Fr. David M. Knight

View today’s Mass readings on the USCCB website here

Easter season is the time to focus on the Holy Spirit. Starting on Easter Sunday, we will look carefully at how the Spirit is proclaimed, invoked, and presented to us in the Mass. Lex orandi, lex credendi: “As the Church prays, so she believes.”

After that, we will reflect on the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Galatians 5:22), and at how the Spirit enters the life of those who believe.

As you read these reflections, ask for the gift of Understanding. Ask to really understand what you believe, what you see and hear at Mass. Go deeper into understanding the Mass than you ever have before. We experience the Faith when we become aware of its mystery. We hope you reflect deeply on the Mass and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and find yourself more and more drawn into the mysteries of our Lord in the Mass and in His Gifts.