Mtr Mary Trainor

In the hour of my distress,
When temptations me oppress,
And when I my sins confess,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!*

Dear friend,

Pondering the Holy Spirit seems a natural enough pastime on this Eve of Pentecost. 

The Holy Spirit, at once the most elusive yet most present member of the Trinity, was gifted to humankind on the Day of Pentecost, which churches mark tomorrow.

When I lie within my bed,
Sick in heart and sick in head,
And with doubts discomforted,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

Early in my Episcopal experience I made a concerted effort to acknowledge this third member of the Trinity. I wanted—still want—to feel the Spirit’s presence.

The Prayer Book language left me unsatisfied: [The church is holy] “because the Holy Spirit dwells in it, consecrates its members, and guides them to do God's will” (BCP, p. 854).

I wanted more. Something tangible, something real. I wanted to feel the Holy Spirit’s presence. I prayed about it.

When the priest his last hath pray'd,
And I nod to what is said,
'Cause my speech is now decay'd,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

A bodily practice developed. I began to speak directly to the Spirit as though they were right there with me. Now, please know, I have yet to do this in public, nor do I plan to do so any time soon!

But my conversations with the Spirit have persisted for more than twenty years, and have brought, at varying times, peace, courage, patience, understanding, forgiveness.

When the Judgment is reveal'd,
And that open'd which was seal'd,
When to Thee I have appeal'd,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

Mtr Mary

*Excerpted from Litany to the Holy Spirit, Robert Herrick,1591-1674