About this prayer
An act of spiritual communion expresses our desire for union with Jesus when we cannot receive Holy Communion sacramentally. It does not replace sacramental Communion when reception is possible and appropriate. This is the established historical English prayer headed Spiritual Communion in the 1909 Catholic prayer book Mary, Help of Christians. Its wording is preserved; it is one published version, not a newly composed prayer.
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Prayer text
O JESUS, I firmly believe that Thou art truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. I see Thee therein full of love, willing to pardon us, anxious to be united with us. I wish most earnestly to respond to this Thy desire and love. I detest all the sins by which I have ever displeased Thee. Pardon me, O Lord! I desire to receive Thee into my heart, and since I now can not receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually to me.
I embrace Thee, I unite myself with Thee as if Thou wert really present in my heart. With all my love I cling to Thee. Preserve me from sin, that I may never be separated from Thee, but remain united with Thee for ever.
Pray along
Use the complete text above. When praying together, one person reads the Prayer leader lines and everyone joins in the responses. When praying alone, read both parts. Pause briefly between prayers.
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