What does the Holy Spirit do, anyway?

So today is Pentecost and I, like your average, less than knowledgeable- Catholic, found myself wondering "What does the Holy Spirit really do, anyway?"  I prayed and found the answer on - where else - EWTN TV.  Here is a prayer to the Holy Spirit that St John Paul prayed daily... enjoy!

Oh Holy Spirit,

I ask You for the Gift of Wisdom, that I may know You and Your Divine Perfection better

...for the Gift of Understanding that I may understand better the mysteries of the Holy Faith

...for the gift of knowledge that I might be guided in life by the principles,of our Faith,

...for the gift of Counsel that I may seek and find your counsel in all things

...for the Gift of Fortitude to keep me inseparably with you undaunted by fear or worldly attachment

...for the gift of piety that I may always serve Your Majesty with a son's love

...for the gift of Fear of the Lord that I may dread sin which offends You, O my God

All these through Christ our Lord...Amen

(St Pope John Paul)

A Prayer to Receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

A prayer to Receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom - that I may not be attached to the perishable things of this world, but aspire only after the things that are eternal.

The Spirit of Understanding - to enlighten my mind with the light of Your Divine Truth.

The Spirit of Counsel - that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining Heaven.

The Spirit of Fortitude - that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation.

The Spirit of Knowledge - that I may know God and know myself, and grow perfect in the science of the saints.

The Spirit of Piety - that I may find the service of God, sweet and amiable.

The Spirit of Fear of the Lord - that I may be filled with a loving reverence toward God and may avoid anything that may displease Him.

(from Mary's Call, Salisbury, MO)