Holy Communion Prayers

Say these Prayers slowly, a few words at a time.

It is well to stop after every few words, that they may sink into the heart.

Each Prayer may be said several times.

BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION

PRAYER FOR HELP.
O my God, help me to make a good Communion. Mary, my dearest mother, pray to Jesus for me. My dear Angel Guardian, lead me to the Altar of God.

ACT OF FAITH.
O God, because Thou has said it, I believe that I shall receive the Sacred Body of Jesus Christ to eat, and His Precious Blood to drink. My God, I believe this with all my heart.

ACT OF HUMILITY.
My God, I confess that I am a poor sinner; I am not worthy to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, on account of my sins. Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul will be healed.

ACT OF SORROW.
My God, I detest all the sins of my life. I am sorry for them, because they have offended Thee, my God, who art so good. I resolve never to commit sin any more. My good God, pity me, have mercy on me, forgive me.

ACT OF ADORATION.
O Jesus, great God, present on the Altar, I bow down before Thee, I adore Thee.

ACT OF LOVE AND DESIRE. Sweet Jesus, I love Thee. I desire with all my heart to receive Thee. Most sweet Jesus, come into my poor soul, and give me Thy Flesh to eat and Thy Blood to drink. Give me Thy whole Self, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, that I may live for ever with Thee.

IN RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

In going to the Altar-rails, and returning to your place, keep your hands joined, your eyes cast down, and your thoughts on Jesus Christ.

At the Altar-rails, take the communion-plate and hold it under your chin (unless it is held by the server).

Hold your head straight up and motionless, keep your eyes closed, your mouth well open, and your tongue out, resting on your under-lip. Then, with great reverence, receive the Sacred Host, saying in your heart, with all the faith of St Thomas: “My Lord and my God.” Your soul is God’s temple. Jesus is now really present in it. Keep away all earthly thoughts and enjoy His presence.

AFTER HOLY COMMUNION


ACT OF FAITH.
O Jesus, I believe that I have received Thy Flesh to eat and Thy Blood to drink, because Thou hast said it, and Thy word is true.

ACT OF ADORATION.
O Jesus, my God, my Creator, I adore Thee, because from Thy hands I came and with Thee I am to be happy for ever.

ACT OF HUMILITY.
O Jesus, I am not worthy to receive Thee, and yet Thou hast come to me that my poor heart may learn of Thee to be meek and humble.

ACT OF LOVE.
Sweet Jesus, I love Thee; I love Thee with all my heart. Thou knowest that I love Thee, and wish to love Thee daily more and more.

ACT OF THANKSGIVING.
My good Jesus, I thank Thee with all my heart. How good, how kind Thou art to me, sweet Jesus! Blessed be Jesus in the most holy Sacrament of the Altar.

ACT OF OFFERING.
O Jesus, receive my poor offering. Jesus, Thou has given Thyself to me, and now let me give myself to Thee:—

I give Thee my body, that it may be chaste and pure.

I give Thee my soul, that it may be free from sin.

I give Thee my heart, that it may always love Thee.

I give Thee every breath that I shall breathe, and especially my last; I give Thee myself in life and in death, that I may be Thine for ever and ever.

Remember the words of Jesus: “Ask and you shall receive” and

PRAY FOR OTHERS

O Jesus, have mercy on Thy holy Church; take care of it.

O Jesus, have pity on poor sinners, and save them from hell.

O Jesus, bless my father, my mother, my brothers and sisters, and all I ought to pray for, as Thy Heart knows how to bless them.

O Jesus, have pity on the poor souls in purgatory and give them eternal rest.

PRAY FOR YOURSELF

O Jesus, wash away my sins with Thy Precious Blood.

O Jesus, the struggle against temptation is not yet finished. My Jesus, when temptation comes near me, make me strong against it. In the moment of temptation may I always say: “My Jesus, mercy! Mary, help!”

O Jesus, may I lead a good life; may I die a happy death. May I receive Thee before I die. May I say when I am dying: “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.”

Listen now for a moment to Jesus Christ; perhaps He has something to say to you. Answer Jesus in your heart, and tell Him all your troubles. Then say:

Sweet Jesus, I am going away for a time, but I trust not without Thee. Thou art with me by Thy grace. I will never leave Thee by mortal sin. I do not fear to do so, though I am weak, because I have such a hope in Thee. Give me grace to persevere. Amen.

ANIMA CHRISTI

Soul of Christ, be my sanctification,

Body of Christ, be my salvation,

Blood of Christ, fill all my veins,

Water from the side of Christ, wash out my stains.

May Christ’s Passion strengthen me,

O good Jesu, hear me.

In Thy wounds I fain would hide,

Never to be parted from Thy side.

Guard me when my foes assail me,

Call me when my life shall fail me.

Command me then to come to Thee,

That I for all eternity

With Thy saints may praise Thee. Amen.


PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX

Behold, O kind and most sweet Jesus, I cast myself on my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul, I pray and beseech Thee that Thou wouldst impress upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, with a true repentance for my sins, and a firm desire of amendment, while with deep affection and grief of soul I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five most precious wounds; having before my eyes that which David spake in prophecy of Thee, O good Jesus: “They pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones.”

Say once the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father for the Pope’s intentions.

A plenary indulgence is attached to the recitation of this prayer before a figure of Christ crucified, subject to Confession, Communion and prayers for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff. One Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father are sufficient.

BENEDICTION

When the Priest opens the tabernacle the following Hymn is sung:

O saving Victim, opening wide

The gate of heaven to man below;

Our foes press on from every side;

Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.

To Thy great name be endless praise,

Immortal Godhead, one in three;

O grant us endless length of days

In our true native land with Thee. Amen.

After which sometimes follows: The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A Simple Prayer Book, Catholic Truth Society, London - 1962.