Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he commanded his apostles to “wait for the promise of the Father” in Jerusalem.
And while staying with them [Jesus] charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “You heard from me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”—Acts 1:4-5
We often picture the apostles and the Virgin Mary praying fervently in hopeful expectation in the Upper Room during this time period between the Ascension and Pentecost.
It was a time of deep community and silent prayer, one where the apostles were actively opening up their hearts so that the Holy Spirit could dwell within them.
We too can imitate their example and join them in the Upper Room, waiting for the Advocate to come. We can prepare our hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit and kindle a fire within us that God can set ablaze.
5 Prayers before Pentecost
The Roman Missal provides for us beautiful prayers that are recited by the priest at the beginning of each daily Mass prior to the feast of Pentecost.
We can use these prayers in our own private prayers and meditate on them, asking the Holy Spirit to come into our own lives.
May the power of the Holy Spirit
come to us, we pray, O Lord,
that we may keep your will faithfully in mind
and express it in a devout way of life.
Grant, we pray, almighty and merciful God,
that the Holy Spirit, coming near
and dwelling graciously within us,
may make of us a perfect temple of his glory.
Graciously grant to your Church, O merciful God,
that, gathered by the Holy Spirit,
she may be devoted to you with all her heart
and united in purity of intent.
May your spirit, O Lord, we pray,
imbue us powerfully with spiritual gifts,
that he may give us a mind pleasing to you
and graciously conform us to your will.
O God, who by the glorification of your Christ and the light of the Holy Spirit
have unlocked for us the gates of eternity, grant, we pray,
that, partaking of so great a gift,
our devotion may grow deeper
and our faith be strengthened.
