The prayer for the Holy Spirit during Confirmation is a heartfelt plea for divine guidance, strength, and the abundance of spiritual gifts. A common expression of this prayer is:
"Holy Spirit, confirm in me. Holy Spirit, you are the giver of many gifts which God wants to give me very personally. Open my heart and my mind as I prepare for Confirmation. Help me to know that you are confirming all the goodness that I am, and all the goodness that I will become."
The Essence of the Confirmation Prayer
This prayer encapsulates the aspirations of an individual preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. It acknowledges the Holy Spirit as the source of profound spiritual blessings and seeks an open disposition to receive them. The prayer is a testament to the transformative power of the Spirit, aiming to affirm and strengthen one's inherent goodness and future potential in Christ.
The core components of this prayer can be understood as follows:
| Aspect of the Prayer | Underlying Meaning and Intent |
|---|---|
| "Holy Spirit, confirm in me." | A direct appeal for the Holy Spirit to strengthen faith, resolve, and connection to God. |
| "Holy Spirit, you are the giver of many gifts which God wants to give me very personally." | A recognition of the Holy Spirit's role as the dispenser of divine graces, tailored to individual needs. |
| "Open my heart and my mind as I prepare for Confirmation." | A petition for receptivity, spiritual insight, and willingness to embrace the sacrament fully. |
| "Help me to know that you are confirming all the goodness that I am, and all the goodness that I will become." | An affirmation of one's identity as a beloved child of God, seeking divine validation and guidance for future growth. |
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The prayer specifically mentions the Holy Spirit as the "giver of many gifts." These are traditionally recognized as seven specific spiritual endowments that empower individuals to live a virtuous life and serve God effectively. These gifts are bestowed upon the confirmed to deepen their spiritual life and equip them for Christian witness.
The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are:
- Wisdom: The ability to see God's plan and purpose in life.
- Understanding: The capacity to grasp the deeper meanings of faith.
- Counsel (Right Judgment): The skill to make good decisions in line with God's will.
- Fortitude (Courage): The strength to persevere in faith despite difficulties.
- Knowledge: The power to recognize God's truth in the created world.
- Piety (Reverence): A deep respect and love for God.
- Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe): A profound sense of reverence for God's majesty and a desire to avoid sin out of love for Him.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation, along with Baptism and Eucharist. It deepens the grace received at Baptism, sealing the recipient with the Holy Spirit and empowering them to be a more perfect witness to Christ. Through this sacrament, the baptized are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit, binding them more perfectly to the Church and obliging them more strictly to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
For more information on the Sacrament of Confirmation, you can refer to resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
