# Come, Spirit of Life – A Prayer for the Church
*2014-11-12*

> Bill Young leads a prayer titled “Come, Spirit of Life,” dedicating it to Pope Francis and the whole Church, invoking the Holy Spirit in each of the seven gifts.

## Introduction

Welcome to episode 376 of Prayer and Lunch. In this episode I’m offering a prayer called “Come, Spirit of Life,” which I’m dedicating to Pope Francis and to the universal Church.

## The Prayer

Come, Spirit of Life, and renew the work of creation so that a more humane and righteous society may be born.
Come, Spirit of Knowledge, and make the Church wholly obedient to the Word of the Gospel.
Come, Spirit of Grace, and transform the whole Church with your holiness, that she may become a true family of the children of God.
Come, Spirit of Counsel, and guide the Church along the way of history.
Come, Spirit of Mercy, and free the Church with merciful love from the slavery of evil.
Come, Spirit of Praise, and impart to the Church wisdom concerning all matters of God.
Come, Spirit of Fortitude, and give the Church the courage to proclaim the Gospel of salvation to all peoples.
Come, Spirit of Service, and build the Church upon the foundation of unity and peace, that she may dwell in harmony with the joys and sufferings of all humanity.
Come, Spirit of Resurrection, as you raised Jesus from the dead, bring all people to new life in Christ.

## Closing Reflection

By invoking each of the Holy Spirit’s gifts, we ask that the Church be continually renewed, strengthened, and sent forth as a beacon of Christ’s love in the world.

*May the Holy Spirit renew the Church in every virtue we invoke.*