Mark in his Gospel, writing about Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, speaks of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus “like a dove”. Indeed, the image of the dove is referred to at least on three separate occasions in the Gospels and reminds us of how the Holy Spirit can bring peace and solace to us in our often-hectic lives.

The Holy Spirit is a major component of Christ’s presence within us and within His Church. The Holy Spirit helps us to be present with and connected to Jesus and allows us to enter into a meaningful relationship with the Lord and the world around us.

The following  prayer combines a number of these ideas:

                                           Prayer to the 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 will renew the face of the earth. 

Lord, 
by the light of the Holy Spirit 
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit 
help us to relish what is right 
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

                                                               - Amen.