A Pentecost Novena: “Come, Holy Spirit” in Haiku Prayers
Louise Finn, CND
Fiery Spirit,
melt my frozen, stingy heart.
Thaw my ice-filled veins.
Prodigal Spirit,
pry open my fists, carefully
closed against your gifts.
Upside-down Spirit,
fill my overfull mind with
your foolish wisdom.
Softening Spirit,
file my brittle, edgy edges,
smooth them to velvet.
Intrepid Spirit,
stand me up when I'd much rather
crawl quietly away.
Tranquil Spirit, shut
me up when I'm starting to whine
about my aches ‘n’ pains.
Mellow Spirit, loosen
my coils when they're wound too tight,
ready to explode.
Smiling Spirit, help
me to lighten up when I'm
hung over with worries.
Living Spirit, alert,
alive, wake me up, shove me
out—to get a life!
Grieving Spirit, pierce
me with the pain of humankind
that fills your being.
Camouflaged Spirit, show
us where you hide to invade
our barred citadels.
Ravenous Spirit,
devouring every evil—
never satisfied.
Fertile Spirit, plant
deep desires in me. Like Mary’s,
make them bear Godfruit.
Crouching Spirit, ready
to spring at helpless humans—
flood us all with joy.
Creator Spirit,
you loved me into being,
my guest-friend. Thank you!
All-knowing Spirit,
you see right through my sneaky
plans, but, please, keep trying.
Seeing Spirit, send me
healing tears for the world’s pain,
dry them with your wisdom.
O Saving Spirit,
gallop in to rescue me,
my real, true hero.
