The reception of Holy Communion at Mass is a profound spiritual act that unites our souls with God under the appearances of bread and wine. It is a miraculous event, one that is often difficult for our minds to comprehend.
For this reason it is appropriate to prepare for such a momentous event with prayers of the heart. We may recite a Psalm, compose a prayer of our own or recite one of the many prayers that others have used on a regular basis.
To help you prepare for your next Holy Communion, here are a few prayers from the saints that are short and beautiful, able to open up our hearts to the many graces God wishes to give us.
Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him and serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor. – St. Teresa of CalcuttaLord, Jesus Christ my God, forgive the faults and sins which I, Your unworthy servant have committed from my youth to this day and hour. By the prayers of Your pure and Virgin Mother, make me worthy without condemnation to receive Your precious, immortal and life-giving Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. May the Eucharist sanctify, enlighten, strengthen and heal my soul and body and thus destroy my evil thoughts, intentions and prejudices. – St. John ChrysostomAlmighty and ever-living God, I approach the sacrament of Your only-begotten Son Our Lord Jesus Christ, I come sick to the doctor of life, unclean to the fountain of mercy, blind to the radiance of eternal light, and poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Lord, in your great generosity, heal my sickness, wash away my defilement, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness. May I receive the bread of angels, the King of kings and Lord of lords, with humble reverence, with the purity and faith, the repentance and love, and the determined purpose that will help to bring me to salvation. – St. Thomas AquinasLord, Jesus Christ, I approach your banquet table in fear and trembling, for I am a sinner, and dare not rely on my own worth but only on your goodness and mercy. Gracious God of majesty and awe, I seek your protection, I look for your healing, poor troubled sinner that I am, I appeal to you, the fountain of all mercy. May your body and blood, which I intend to receive, although I am unworthy, be for me the remission of my sins, the washing away of my guilt, the end of my evil thoughts, and the rebirth of my better instincts. May it incite me to do the works pleasing to you and profitable to my health in body and soul, and be a firm defense against the wiles of my enemies. Amen. – St. Ambrose
Looking for more prayers? Check out our page of “Prayers for a Particular Need.”
Read more:
How to prepare for Holy Communion 3 days in advance
Read more:
How do saints prepare to receive Communion and how should we? With Our Lady
And today we celebrate...