Day 3 

Today, let us ask for the Spirit s gift of understanding.  With the gift of understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as followers of Jesus Christ. A person with understanding is not confused by all the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live.

For the Church, that the Spirit of God may heal, cleanse, and renew us.
 
For this Archdiocese of Seattle as we await the appointment of a new Archbishop, that God will send us a good shepherd, able to listen with understanding and to speak with courage.
 
For the nations, that we may work together to protect the earth, the sea, and the sky, preserving their beauty and resources for generations yet to come.
 
For all who teach the Catholic faith bishops and priests, missionaries and catechists, parents and godparents:  that they may tell the good news with wisdom, joy, and love.
 
For all of us, that our hearts and minds may be open to receive the Spirit s gifts.

Novena Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit!
Come to the Church in our time of need:
Heal, cleanse, and renew us.
Raise up for us prophetic leaders,
humble, compassionate shepherds,
with wisdom to read the signs of the times
in the light of the Gospel.
Come to our world,
and teach us to reverence the earth
and all of creation.
Come to our hearts,
and fill us with your gifts,
that we may live the faith we profess
and commit ourselves anew
to the Gospel of Christ.
Come, Holy Spirit,
with the wind and fire
of a new Pentecost.
 
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
You send forth your Spirit, and they are created:
and you will renew the face of the earth.