When Christ ascended into Heaven, He told the apostles He would send His Holy Spirit, and so they prayed for the coming of the Spirit. For centuries, Catholics have been praying the Novena to the Holy Spirit between Ascension and Pentecost. In it, we ask for the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and, on the final day, for the twelve fruits of the Spirit.
Verse for the Second Day:
Come. Father of the poor.
Come treasures which endure
Come, Light of all that live!
Meditation for the Second Day—The Gift of Fear
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. “They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls.”
Prayers for the Second Day:
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever; help me to shun all things that can offend You; and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Amen.