Before the first Christian Pentecost, Jesus' disciples prayed together constantly for nine days. What does this mean? The exact translation is: "These all were continuing steadfastly with one mind in prayer and supplication." The emphasis is on perseverance, unity, and petitioning God.

We know only one prayer prayed during those nine days in the upper room. Peter quoted two passages from the Psalms and prophetically applied them to Judas. Then after nominating two people as possible successors of Judas, the apostles prayed: "O Lord, You read the hearts of men. Make known to us which of these two You choose for this apostolic ministry, replacing Judas, who deserted the cause and went the way he was destined to go" (Acts 1:24-25). They referred to God as the Lord Who knows our hearts and chooses us. The prayer in the upper room should lead to our submission to the Lord and acceptance of His calling in our lives. We submit to and accept the Lord's will because we have opened our hearts to Him and have let Him purify them.

In these next seven days of the Pentecost novena, let us unite in steadfastly petitioning our Lord to make our hearts purified and docile to the Holy Spirit.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, October 9, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 17, 1998