XVI Ordinary Synod

We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and
how we are to pursue it. 

We are weak and sinful;

do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions. 
Let us find in You our unity
so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth
and what is right. 
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever. 
Amen.

Come, Holy Spirit! 

You inspire new tongues
and place words of life on our lips:
keep us from becoming a “museum Church”, beautiful but mute,
with much past and little future. 
Come among us,
so that in this synodal experience
we will not lose our enthusiasm,
dilute the power of prophecy,
or descend into useless
and unproductive discussions. 
Come, Spirit of love,
open our hearts to hear your voice! 
Come, Holy Spirit of holiness,
renew the holy and faithful People of God! 
Come, Creator Spirit, renew the face of the earth!  Amen.