Prayers for Spiritual Communion

When you cannot attend Mass you can reach out to Jesus through prayer in Spiritual Communion. Saint Thomas Aquinas defined Spiritual Communion as “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament [in Communion at Mass] and in lovingly embracing Him as if we had actually received Him.” Spiritual Communion can occur in church before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, exposed on the altar or in the Tabernacle, or anywhere else as the Holy Spirit moves you. There have been numerous prayers written throughout the centuries for Spiritual Communion.

Four Steps for Spiritual Communion

1 — Make an Act of Faith

Use a traditional prayer, or create one of your own, to express to our Lord your faith in His real presence in the Eucharist.

2 — Offer an Act of Love

Say a prayer that expresses your love and gratitude to our Lord. Also thank Him for His infinite love for you.

3 — Express Your Desire To Receive Him

As you are not able to physically receive our Lord in the Eucharist at this time, express your desire to receive Him in your heart.

4 — Invite Christ into Your Heart

With a humble and contrite heart, ask our Lord to come to you just as He would if you were able to receive Him in the Eucharist.

A Traditional Prayer for Spiritual Communion
My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.

A Prayer for Spiritual Communion by Saint Josemaria Escriva
I wish, Lord, to receive you with the purity, humility and devotion
with which your most holy Mother received You,
with the spirit and fervor of the saints.

A Prayer for the Intercession of Your Guardian Angel for Spiritual Communion
O HOLY ANGEL at my side,
Go to Church for me,
Kneel in my place, at Holy Mass,
Where I desire to be.

At Offertory, in my stead,
Take all I am and own,
And place it as a sacrifice
Upon the Altar Throne.

At Holy Consecration’s bell,
Adore with Seraph’s love,
My Jesus hidden in the Host,
Come down from Heaven above.

Then pray for those I dearly love,
And those who cause me grief,
That Jesus’ Blood may cleanse all hearts,
And suff’ring souls relieve.

And when the priest Communion takes,
Oh, bring my Lord to me,
That His sweet Heart may rest on mine,
And I His temple be.

Pray that this Sacrifice Divine,
May mankind’s sins efface;
Then bring me Jesus’ blessing home,
The pledge of every grace. Amen