🙏 Prayer After Communion – Catholic Thanksgiving Prayer
The Prayer After Communion is a beautiful tradition that helps us give thanks to God after receiving the Eucharist. This prayer allows us to express our gratitude for the gift of Jesus' Body and Blood, to ask for His continued presence in our lives, and to commit ourselves to living according to His teachings. It completes the sacred moment of Holy Communion with thanksgiving and dedication.
Traditional Prayer After Communion
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 Your wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from You.
From the malignant enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me.
And bid me come to You.
That with Your saints I may praise You.
For ever and ever.
Amen.
Alternative Versions
Simple Thanksgiving
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for coming to me in Holy Communion. Help me to live as You would have me live, and to love as You love. Amen.
Family Version
Dear Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your Body and Blood. Help our family to grow in love for You and for one another. Amen.
Biblical Version
Lord Jesus, You have given me the bread of life. Help me to live by every word that comes from Your mouth. Amen.
Modern Version
Thank You, Jesus, for this precious gift of Yourself. Transform my heart and help me to be Your presence in the world. Amen.
Meaning and Purpose
The Prayer After Communion serves several important spiritual purposes:
- • Thanksgiving - Expressing gratitude for the gift of Jesus' Body and Blood
- • Petition - Asking for Jesus' continued presence and help in our lives
- • Dedication - Committing ourselves to live according to Christ's teachings
- • Protection - Seeking Jesus' protection from evil and temptation
- • Union - Deepening our union with Christ through prayer
- • Transformation - Allowing Jesus to transform our hearts and lives
This prayer helps us to make the most of the grace received in Holy Communion and to carry Christ's presence with us throughout the day.
When to Pray After Communion
- • Immediately after receiving Communion - While still in church
- • During the thanksgiving period - The time after Mass for personal prayer
- • When you return to your pew - After receiving and returning to your seat
- • At home after Mass - Continuing your thanksgiving at home
- • Throughout the day - Remembering and thanking Jesus for His gift
- • Before important decisions - Seeking Jesus' guidance
- • In times of difficulty - Drawing strength from Jesus' presence
Spiritual Benefits
Deepens Union
Prayer after Communion deepens your union with Christ and helps you remain in His presence.
Increases Grace
Thanksgiving prayer helps you receive more fully the graces of Holy Communion.
Transforms Life
Regular prayer after Communion helps transform your life according to Christ's will.
Protects from Evil
Prayer after Communion helps protect you from temptation and evil influences.
Biblical Foundation
The practice of prayer after Communion is rooted in Scripture:
- • John 6:56 - "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in them"
- • 1 Corinthians 11:26 - "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes"
- • Psalm 116:12-13 - "What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation"
- • Luke 22:19 - "Do this in remembrance of me"
- • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "Give thanks in all circumstances"
The Bible teaches us to give thanks for God's gifts and to remain in communion with Christ.
How to Make the Most of Prayer After Communion
To make your prayer after Communion more meaningful:
- • Be present - Focus your mind and heart on Jesus' presence within you
- • Express gratitude - Thank Jesus for the gift of Himself
- • Make petitions - Ask for what you need, for yourself and others
- • Listen - Be quiet and listen for Jesus' voice in your heart
- • Make resolutions - Commit to living according to Jesus' teachings
- • Extend the moment - Continue your thanksgiving throughout the day
- • Be consistent - Make prayer after Communion a regular habit
Remember that the time after Communion is a special moment of grace when Jesus is physically present within you. Make the most of this precious time.
Tips for Prayer After Communion
- • Stay in church - Don't rush out after Communion; take time to pray
- • Use a prayer book - Keep a prayer book or card handy
- • Be personal - Speak to Jesus from your heart
- • Include others - Pray for family, friends, and those in need
- • Make it a habit - Pray after Communion every time you receive
- • Be patient - Don't worry if you don't feel anything; trust in Jesus' presence
- • Continue at home - Extend your thanksgiving throughout the day
Related Prayers
Prayer Before Communion
Prayer to prepare your heart for receiving the Eucharist.
Mass Prayers
Complete collection of prayers used during the celebration of the Holy Mass.
Thanksgiving Prayers
Complete collection of prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving to God.