The Confirmation

Just before the actual Confirmation, the Bishop says a prayer for the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit.  It is based on Isaiah 11:2 and comes from an old service book (The Gelasian Sacramentary) of the seventh century, and so is about 1,300 years old. 

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding: by understanding we are able to recognise the truths of the Christian Faith; by wisdom we are able to see their importance.

The Spirit of knowledge: by this we know right from wrong.

The Spirit of counsel: by this we can see what we have to do in any particular circumstances in order to do the right and avoid the wrong.

The Spirit of inward strength: by this spiritual strength, we have the strength to do what is right and to persevere.

The Spirit of true godliness: by this we become reverent, and obedient to God.

The Spirit of holy fear: by this gift we have a loving anxiety to please God.

The actual Confirmation

After this prayer comes the actual Confirmation.  In the Common Worship service (4), the Bishop addresses each person by name:

"N (Christian name of candidate), God has called you by name and made you his own".

Then he lays his hands on the head of the candidate, saying:

“Confirm, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit”.

Then everyone prays together for those who have been confirmed:

“Defend, O Lord, these your servants with your heavenly grace,
that they may continue yours for ever,
and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more
until they come to your everlasting kingdom.  Amen”.