Communion Prayer

 SAY THIS SIMPLE PRAYER IN YOUR HEART WHILE RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

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For Catholics, there is no moment more sacred, more intimate, and more transformative than the moment of Holy Communion. At Mass, when the priest raises the consecrated Host and declares, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world,” we are invited to approach the altar and receive Jesus Christ Himself — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity — into our very being.

This mystery is so great that words fail. We are mere creatures receiving the Creator. We are sinners invited to a banquet of grace. Heaven touches earth, and Christ, who died and rose for us, enters into our bodies and souls.

At such a moment, what should we say? How can we respond worthily? The Church offers us prayers before and after Communion, but many saints and spiritual masters encourage us to whisper a simple prayer in our hearts while receiving Holy Communion.

This prayer need not be long or complicated. It must be heartfelt, filled with faith, humility, and love. In this reflection, we will explore the meaning of Communion, why interior prayer at that moment is so important, examples from Scripture and saints, and finally, a simple prayer you can say as you receive Jesus into your heart.

1. The Mystery of Holy Communion.

The Eucharist is not a symbol or mere remembrance. The Catholic Church teaches, with clarity and authority, that in the consecrated bread and wine, Christ Himself is truly present.

Biblical Foundation

At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and said: “This is my body… this is my blood” (Matthew 26:26–28).

In John 6, He declares: “My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink… whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.”

Church Teaching

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1374) says:

“In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist, the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.”

To receive Communion is to receive God Himself. No other prayer, no other devotion, equals this encounter.

2. The Attitude of the Heart.

Because of the greatness of the Eucharist, the Church insists we prepare with reverence:

State of grace: We must go to Confession if in mortal sin (1 Corinthians 11:27 warns against receiving unworthily).

Eucharistic fast: One hour of fasting before Communion (except for water and medicine).

Faith and devotion: We approach with humility, not routine.

But even when we are properly disposed, we may feel overwhelmed: What should I say to Jesus?

The saints remind us: keep it simple. The heart speaks best in love.

3. Why Pray at Communion?

Prayer at Communion is not optional. It is the natural response to Christ’s presence. Imagine inviting a guest of honor into your home — you would not ignore him. You would speak with gratitude, love, and welcome.

So too with Jesus in Holy Communion. When He enters our soul sacramentally, He longs for our conversation. St. Teresa of Avila said:

“After receiving Communion, close your eyes of the body and open wide the eyes of your soul. Jesus will speak to you.”

Praying in that moment allows Jesus to shape us, heal us, and transform us.

4. Prayers of the Saints at Communion.

Throughout history, saints have offered words that inspire us.

St. Thomas Aquinas: “May I receive the Bread of Angels, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, with such reverence and humility, such contrition and devotion, such purity and faith, as is expedient for the salvation of my soul.”

St. John Vianney: “When we receive Holy Communion, we experience something extraordinary — a joy, a fragrance, a well-being that thrills the whole body and causes it to exalt.”

St. Padre Pio: “In this world I cannot live without the Eucharist.”

But even these saints often returned to short, simple prayers. For instance: “Jesus, I trust in You.” or “My Lord and my God.”

5. A Simple Prayer to Whisper in Your Heart.

When you approach the priest or minister and hear the words, “The Body of Christ,” you respond: “Amen.” This already is a prayer of faith.

But in your heart, you can add:

“Lord Jesus, come into my heart. I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love You. Transform me into Yourself.”

This prayer is:

Short (so it fits in the moment).

Faith-filled (acknowledging His presence).

Personal (inviting Him into your heart).

Transformative (asking Him to change your life).

6. The Fruits of Praying at Communion.

When we say such a prayer sincerely, Jesus responds. The Catechism (CCC 1391–1397) lists the effects of Holy Communion:

Union with Christ: Deepening intimacy with Him.

Spiritual nourishment: Strengthening against sin.

Unity with the Church: Binding us to the Body of Christ.

Commitment to the poor: Renewed charity toward others.

Prayer at Communion makes these graces more fruitful, because it opens our hearts wide to receive.

7. Biblical Echoes of the Prayer.

The simple prayer we propose echoes Scripture:

“Come into my heart” recalls Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him.”

“I believe” echoes the words of the father in Mark 9:24: “I believe; help my unbelief!”

“I adore” follows the Magi who adored Christ in Matthew 2:11.

“I hope” mirrors Romans 5:5: “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts.”

“I love You” is the greatest commandment (Mark 12:30).

Thus, the prayer is not random but deeply biblical.

8. Making Communion Personal.

Each Catholic can adapt the prayer to their needs. Some examples:

In times of trial: “Jesus, be my strength.”

In gratitude: “Thank You, Lord, for Your love.”

In surrender: “Jesus, I give You my heart.”

In adoration: “My Lord and my God.”

The key is sincerity. God listens to the heart more than the lips.

9. After Communion: Silent Prayer.

After receiving, the Church encourages silent prayer. Many parishes observe a moment of silence after Communion. This is your time to converse with Jesus within you.

You can use prayers like:

“Stay with me, Lord.”

“Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Yours.”

“Thank You, Lord, for this gift.”

As St. Philip Neri once said: “When we receive Communion, we are like someone who holds a piece of wax close to the fire — the wax becomes soft and takes on any shape.”

10. Practical Tips

Arrive early at Mass to prepare.

Say an Act of Contrition before Communion.

As you walk to the altar, keep recollection.

Whisper the simple prayer as you receive.

Stay after Mass for thanksgiving.

Final Reflection

The Eucharist is heaven on earth. When we receive Communion, we are united to Christ in a way deeper than words can express. And yet, the Church, in her wisdom, teaches us that even a simple prayer whispered in love can open our hearts to the flood of graces Jesus desires to give.

So the next time you receive Communion, remember this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, come into my heart. I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love You. Transform me into Yourself.”

Let it be your Amen. Let it be your welcome. Let it be your act of faith, hope, and love.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Woman of the Eucharist, and St. Tarcisius, patron of First Communicants, help us to receive Jesus with pure and loving hearts.

If this reflection deepened your understanding of the Eucharist, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more Catholic prayers, devotions, and teachings.