1831 The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David. They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations.

From the Cathechism of the Catholic Church

Throughout the month of June, I have been reflecting on the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout the world, more specifically, within my own life over the last year. Throughout the last week, I have been reflecting on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

[Each of the seven gifts] perfect certain basic virtues. Four of them perfect the intellectual virtues. Understanding gives an intuitive penetration into truth. Wisdom perfects charity, in order to judge divine things. Knowledge perfects the virtue of hope. The gift of counsel perfects prudence.

The other three gifts perfect virtues of the will and appetites. The gift of piety perfects justice in giving to others that which is their due. This is especially true of giving God what is His due. Fortitude perfects the virtue of fortitude, in facing dangers. Fear of the Lord perfects temperance in controlling disordered appetites.

http://www.ewtn.com/faith/Teachings/spira3.htm

It is important for all of us to remember that the Holy Spirit is there to help us when we face difficult situations – whether it be experiencing some kind of doubt about our faith or some temptation that we are having difficulty overcoming. God the Father has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us and strengthen us; the Gifts of the Holy Spirit have been given to us for this purpose.

Over the past year, I have turned to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to send the Holy Spirit to guide me throughout the difficult periods of my life, especially when I have experienced a “dry spell” in my prayer. Whenever these “dry spells” come about in our spiritual life, we must remember to push them, persevering in our prayers. Remember to pray to the Holy Spirit -  ask the Spirit to continue to guide you and strengthen you in your prayer. Remember to reflect on your life; what things are you doing that is turning you away from the Father’s loving kindness? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome those struggles and temptations. Finally, don’t get discouraged! Nothing happens in our time – God decides what is best for us and at what time we will receive a particular grace. Be patient!

May God continue to bless all of you and may He send the Holy Spirit upon all of us, to strengthen us and guide us along our journey of faith. Bye for now…