HOLY FAMILY CENACLE - A Catholic Prayer Group: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
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Monday, September 24, 2007

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the source of graces and gifts. The book of Isaiah lists seven sanctifying gifts (Isaiah 11:2-3).

  1. Wisdom: The wisdom of God is contrary to the wisdom of the world. The Holy Spirit's gift of wisdom helps us detach from the world and cherish only what is of heaven. This wisdom, used in everyday life, is what separates us from our old, pre-converted ways.
  2. Understanding: What don't you understand about a Church teaching or the ways of faith? Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding. He will enlighten you and gift you with an understanding that makes sense, sometimes quickly and sometimes gradually, to the extent that it's necessary for your salvation and your work for God's kingdom.
  3. Counsel: Are you ever indecisive? Or hesitant and full of doubts about your choices? The Holy Spirit guides us and instructs us so that we can make the right decisions. My favorite prayer for this is, "Lord, open the doors of opportunities in the way I should go, and close all doors that lead elsewhere." And He does!
  4. Fortitude: Getting weary from trials? The Holy Spirit gives us supernatural courage to persist and overcome obstacles and difficulties that arise as we follow Jesus in the mission and in our everyday lives.
  5. Knowledge: I often wish God would send me a fax that spells out His plans. However, the Holy Spirit is always available to direct us on the paths we should follow, even supernaturally if necessary. He also points out the dangers to avoid and the goals to reach. Listen to the songs, the scriptures, and the people that God puts "coincidentally" into your day. If what they say sounds familiar because the Holy Spirit has already been telling your heart the same thing, trust the message.
  6. Piety (godliness): From where does our desire come to embrace a life of holiness or to follow Christ in service and ministry? From the Holy Spirit! We are holy because the Spirit of God is holy.
  7. Fear of the Lord: Once we've been converted, respect for God feels instinctive, doesn't it? That's because it's purely a gift from the Holy Spirit. The more enlivened our relationship with the Spirit is, the more we hate sin, and because He is holy and His holiness transforms us

posted by Holy Family Cenacle at Monday, September 24, 2007