In the Catholic Church, the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, and it is central to the Mass. After receiving Communion, Catholics often recite prayers to thank God for the gift of the Eucharist and to ask for His grace and guidance. These prayers are important because they help Catholics to deepen their faith and to maintain a sense of reverence and gratitude for the sacred mysteries they have just received.
One of the most common prayers recited after Communion is the Anima Christi, which has been used by Catholics for centuries. The Anima Christi is a prayer that helps us to focus on the presence of Christ in our lives and to ask for His help and protection. It goes as follows:
“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 malicious enemy defend me. In the hour of my death call me. And bid me come unto Thee, That with Thy saints I may praise Thee Forever and ever. Amen.”
Another popular prayer is the Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas, which is often recited by Catholics after Communion. This prayer is a beautiful expression of gratitude and faith in Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist. It goes as follows:
“Soul of Christ, be my sanctification. Body of Christ, be my salvation; Blood of Christ, fill all my veins; Water of Christ’s side, wash out my stains; Passion of Christ, my comfort be; O good Jesus, listen to me; In thy wounds I fain would hide; Ne’er to be parted from thy side; Guard me, should the foe assail me; Call me when my life shall fail me; Bid me come to thee above, With thy saints to sing thy love, World without end. Amen.”
Another Catholic prayer after communion is as follows
What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what is given to us in time, be our healing for eternity.
May Your Body, O Lord, which I have eaten, and Your Blood which I have drunk, cleave to my very soul, and grant that no trace of sin be found in me, whom these pure and holy mysteries have renewed. Who live and reign, world without end. Amen.
We humbly beseech You, almighty god, to grant that those whom You refresh with Your sacraments, may serve you worthily by a life well pleasing to You. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen
In addition to these traditional prayers, Catholics may also offer their own personal prayers of thanksgiving and petition after receiving Communion. These prayers can be a way to express our gratitude for the gift of Christ’s body and blood, and to ask for His help and guidance in our daily lives. Example as follows :
“Thank you, Lord, for the gift of the Eucharist. May it nourish my soul and strengthen me to live a life of faith and service to others. Amen.”
Catholics may also offer petitions and intercessions after receiving Communion, asking God for help and guidance in their daily lives. These prayers can be personal or can be offered for the needs of others. A simple petition may be:
“Lord, help me to love others as you love me. Give me the grace to be patient, kind, and forgiving, and to serve others with humility and generosity. Amen.”
