The Holy Spirit: Definition, Role, Gifts, and Prayers

In the Christian faith, the Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Holy Trinity, along with the Father and the Son. He has been present since the creation of the world and seals the love between the Father and the Son. He continually acts upon the world and assists people on their journey toward holiness, guiding, inspiring, and sanctifying their hearts. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Him as follows: “The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is God, one and equal with the Father and the Son, of the same substance and also of the same nature.” (CCC 245)

But who exactly is the Holy Spirit, what is His role, and what gifts does He bestow upon believers?

Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Holy Trinity, is the Paraclete (the One who intercedes) and the Comforter promised by Christ, who acts as the breath of life, imparting life to all creatures. From the very first verse of Genesis: “In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth—and the earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters” (Gen 1:1–2)

The Holy Spirit is fully revealed at Pentecost, when He descends directly upon the apostles in the form of a wind and tongues of fire. They begin to speak in foreign languages and proclaim the truth of Christ, heralding the beginning of an era of evangelization: “And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” (Acts 2:4).

The Holy Spirit guides the disciples to the truth, unites them into one body, and enables them to bear witness to the kingdom of God.

The Holy Spirit is defined as follows in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "Before his Passover, Jesus announced the sending of 'another Paraclete' (Advocate), the Holy Spirit. At work since creation, having previously 'spoken through the prophets', the Spirit will now be with and in the disciples, to teach them and guide them 'into all the truth.' (Cf. Gen 1:2; Nicene Creed (DS 150); Jn 14:17, 26; 16:13) The Holy Spirit is thus revealed as another divine person with Jesus and the Father." (CCC no. 243)

What is the role of the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit sanctifies hearts, illuminates the truth, and animates evangelization. Through his breath, he purifies the soul from sin and enables it to cooperate with the divine will. He is the Paraclete who guides the disciples “to all truth” (John 16:13). At Pentecost, he fills the apostles with the power to proclaim the kingdom, and through him every Christian becomes a witness to Christ. The Holy Spirit brings the sacraments to life: He seals Baptism, bestows the seven gifts at Confirmation, and sanctifies the Eucharist. As Intercessor and Comforter, He sustains the faithful in times of trial, causing the fruits of love, joy, and peace to flourish. Thus, the Holy Spirit invites every Christian to live a holy life and to bear witness to the Kingdom, especially by bestowing His gifts.

The 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit

• Wisdom enables us to see reality through God’s eyes
• Understanding enables us to grasp the truths of faith and the Scriptures, to comprehend the mystery of God, and to discern good from evil
• Knowledge enables us to recognize God’s work and love, present in nature and creation
• Strength enables us to persevere in trials, to have the courage to fulfill our duty in our state of life, and to stand firm in spiritual battle
• Awe makes us aware of God’s greatness and our own weakness
• Piety offers us a childlike trust in God as a Father who cares for His children. The gift of piety moves us to worship and obey God out of love
• Counsel gives us the ability to discern rightlyand with insight, in union with divine wisdom

The Various Names and Depictions of the Holy Spirit in the Bible

• Comforter:  “In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.” (Romans 8:26)
• Advocate:  “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always,” (John 14:16)
• Breath:  “From the four winds come, O breath, and breathe into these slain that they may come to life. […] I will put my spirit in you that you may come to life” (Ezekiel 37:9–14)
• Paraclete:  “The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you.” (John 14:26)
• Spirit of Truth: “But you know [the Spirit of Truth], because it remains with you, and will be in you.” (John 14:17)
• Fire:  “Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.” (Acts 2:3)
• Dove:  “John testified further, saying, 'I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon [Jesus].'” (John 1:32)
• Water:  “All you who are thirsty, come to the water!” (Isaiah 55:1)

Prayer to the Holy Spirit: Come, Spirit of God

“Spirit of God,

you are the breath of hope

that restores our confidence;

you are the guest in our hearts

who brings us peace and joy.

Come and illuminate our nights,

strengthen what trembles,

heal what is wounded,

Save what is dying.

Spirit of God,

you are the life of our lives,

you make all things new;

fire at the heart of the world,

you set the universe ablaze

with your love.

Grant us eternal youth,

recreate our hearts

and place upon our lips

praise and thanksgiving.” (Normand Provencher, Rassembler, May–June 1983, p. 20)

Find more prayers to the Holy Spirit, as well as the famous novena to the Holy Spirit, to receive His gifts.

Invoke the Holy Spirit with Hozana

Do you wish to invoke the Holy Spirit regularly in your lives to receive His gifts? Hozana, an online prayer social network, invites you to join numerous prayer communities, including a Novena to the Holy Spirit with Carmelite saints! and this Pentecost Novena to ignite a fire or 7 Days to Adore and Venerate the Most Holy Trinity