The gift of piety

From the Novena to the Holy Spirit (Pentecost Novena)

Sacred Scripture: Romans 8:14-15

Meditation for Day 3

The third day asks for the gift of piety — the grace by which the soul addresses God as Father with the affection of a son. St. Paul writes that 'all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God' and that the same Spirit causes them to cry out, 'Abba, Father.'

This gift transforms duty into love, and renders prayer the most natural action of the soul.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit)

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

This is the traditional collect for Pentecost, found in the Roman Missal and used as the daily closing of the novena.