Prayer after Eucharistic Communion

As Catholics, our faith is centered on the Eucharist. It is the source and summit of our faith, the sacrament that brings us closest to Christ himself. After receiving Holy Communion, it is only fitting that we take the time to pray and reflect on the great gift we have just been given.

There are countless ways to pray receiving Communion, but the most traditional form is simply to remain in silence and allow the physical and spiritual nourishment we receive from the Eucharist to settle within us. This is a time for intimacy with Christ, for us to express our joy, gratitude, and love for what we have just experienced.

In this moment of , we should allow our hearts to speak to God. This is a time for us to offer our intentions, to ask for forgiveness, to thank God for the blessings of our lives, and to express our hope for the future. It is also an opportunity for us to simply be still and bask in the radiance of God’s love.

One of the most beautiful post-Communion is the Anima Christi. This prayer dates back to the fourteenth century and has been recited by millions of Catholics through the ages. The prayer reads:

“Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within thy wounds, hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from thee. From the malignant enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me. And bid me come to thee, that with thy saints I may praise thee for ever and ever. Amen.”

This prayer is a powerful expression of our desire to union with Christ and to be saved by him. It also invites us to be mindful of the great sacrifice that he made for us on the cross.

Another beautiful prayer that can be recited after receiving Communion is the Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas. This prayer acknowledges the mystery of the Eucharist and our need for divine grace. The prayer reads:

“O sacred banquet, in which Christ is received, the memory of his passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us. You give them bread from heaven. Having all sweetness within.

Let us pray.

God, who has left us in this wonderful sacrament your memorial, grant us, we pray, a spirit of piety and humility, so that we may approach this holy table with a pure heart and a devout mind, and receive the body and blood of your Son in faith, hope, and love. Amen.”

Words cannot express the beauty and depth of inner peace that comes with with God in the Eucharist. In this moment of prayer after Eucharistic Communion, we can experience a deeper understanding of the sacrament and a greater appreciation for the love of Christ.

In summary, prayer after Eucharistic Communion helps us to build a stronger relationship with God. It is a time of intimacy and reflection, an opportunity to express our gratitude, ask for forgiveness, and bask in the radiance of God’s love. Through prayer, we can grow in faith and become even more deeply rooted in our love of Christ.

So, let us take this time after Communion to reflect, to listen, and to speak with our hearts. Let us pray with conviction and faith, acknowledge Christ’s love, and accept his grace. Amidst the busy world around us, let us take this moment to find solace in God’s presence and go forth into the world as strengthened disciples of Christ. Amen!