Day 43: Holy Spirit, spread the kingdom of God 

1 Corinthians 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

St Philip Neri – “The best remedy for dryness of spirit is to picture ourselves as beggars in the presence of God and the Saints. Like a beggar, we should go first to one saint, then to another, asking for a spiritual alms with the same earnestness as a poor fellow in the streets would ask an alms of us.”

St Paul asks us to eagerly seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit to build the Church, the kingdom of God, here on earth. And Jesus promised that the Father is willing to give the gifts of the Holy Spirit to those who ask. How have I prayed for more? Have I seriously asked for more of the charismatic gifts that will edify the Church? See St. Philip Neri’s quote above. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, before Jesus ascended into heaven, He told the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father (Acts 1:4). You are a God of promises. As we wait eagerly for Pentecost, I pray for more of Your Holy Spirit on me and all others who seek, so we can be effective instruments of Your grace, love and mercy in this world and prepare for Your kingdom to come here on earth as it is in heaven.

John 16:7 "But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." 

On this Ascension Sunday, we pray Lord Jesus, that as you ascend to be seated at the right hand of the Father, that you send a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit on all.

Contributed by: Deacon Reuben D’sa, St Jude Parish

• Litany of the Holy Spirit
• 500 Praises to the Holy Spirit (Pray a few of them as you can)