After Communion – St Thomas Aquinas
I thank You, Lord, Almighty Father, Everlasting God, for having been pleased, through no merit of mine, but of Your great mercy alone, to feed me, a sinner, and Your unworthy servant, with the precious Body and Blood of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
I pray that this Holy Communion may not be for my judgment and condemnation, but for my pardon and salvation. Let this Holy Communion be to me an armour of faith and a shield of good will, a cleansing of all vices, and a rooting out of all evil desires. May it increase love and patience, humility and obedience, and all virtues. May it be a firm defence against the evil designs of all my visible and invisible enemies, a perfect quieting of all the desires of soul and body. May this Holy Communion bring about a perfect union with You, the one true God, and at last enable me to reach eternal bliss when You will call me.
I pray that You bring me, a sinner, to the indescribable Feast where You, with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, are to Your saints true light, full blessedness, everlasting joy, and perfect happiness. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
What Prayer to Say After Communion?
After receiving Holy Communion, many Christians feel a deep sense of spiritual connection and desire to communicate with God. This is a sacred moment, where one has just received the body and blood of Christ, and it’s customary to offer a prayer of gratitude and reflection. While the specific prayers may vary among different Christian denominations, the essence of these post-Communion prayers remains consistent – to express thanksgiving, seek spiritual nourishment, and reflect on the significance of this divine act. In this article, we will explore various prayers that can be said after Communion, including those from the Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox traditions.
What Do I Say After Receiving Communion?
Catholic Prayer After Communion
For Catholics, the post-Communion prayer is an essential part of the Mass. It’s a moment of deep spiritual communion with Christ. One common Catholic prayer after receiving Communion is:
“Lord Jesus, I love and adore You. You have come to me, and I am united with You. Thank You for this precious gift. May Your love and grace guide me in my daily life. Amen.”
This prayer expresses love and gratitude for the Eucharist and a desire for Christ’s presence to influence one’s actions.
Protestant Prayer After Communion
Protestant traditions vary, and there is no single prescribed prayer for after Communion. However, a common theme in Protestant post-Communion prayers is thanksgiving, forgiveness, and a commitment to living a Christ-centered life. A Protestant might pray:
“Lord, thank You for this symbolic representation of Your body and blood. As I partake, I am reminded of Your sacrifice for me. Help me to live in a way that honors You and spreads Your love to others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
This prayer reflects a deep appreciation for the symbolism of the bread and wine as representations of Christ’s body and blood.
Orthodox Prayer After Communion
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the post-Communion prayer is rich in theological depth and symbolism. It often emphasizes the transformative power of the Eucharist. An example of an Orthodox post-Communion prayer is:
“O Christ our God, You have given us Your Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Thank You for allowing me to partake of this divine mystery. May I be filled with Your presence and reflect Your love in the world. Through the prayers of the Mother of God and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.”
This prayer acknowledges the sacramental nature of the Eucharist and seeks a profound connection with Christ and His transformative grace.
What Do You Pray Before and After Communion?
Before and after receiving Holy Communion, Christians often engage in prayers that prepare their hearts and minds for this sacred moment and offer gratitude and reflection afterward.
Prayers Before Communion
Prayers before Communion are meant to prepare the believer spiritually to receive the Eucharist. They typically focus on seeking forgiveness, cleansing the heart, and inviting Christ’s presence. In the Catholic tradition, one common prayer before Communion is the “Act of Contrition,” expressing sorrow for sins and a desire for reconciliation with God. In the Orthodox tradition, prayers like the “Prayer of St. John Chrysostom” are recited, emphasizing unworthiness and a longing for divine mercy.
Prayers After Communion
After receiving Communion, prayers express gratitude and reflect on the experience. Many Christians use this moment to seek guidance and strength to live a Christian life. As discussed earlier, these prayers can vary depending on one’s Christian denomination but often include elements of thanksgiving, adoration, and a commitment to living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.
What Is the Prayer After Communion for Children?
Introducing children to the concept of Communion and the associated prayers is an important part of their spiritual upbringing. Simple prayers after Communion can help children express their feelings and understand the significance of this sacrament. Here’s an example of a child-friendly post-Communion prayer:
“Dear Jesus, thank You for coming into my heart today. I love You, and I want to be more like You. Please help me to be kind and loving to everyone I meet. Amen.”
This prayer is designed to be easy for children to understand and serves as a starting point for them to develop their own relationship with God.
Prayer After Communion Protestant
Protestant post-Communion prayers can vary widely, as there is no universal liturgical structure across Protestant denominations. However, the essence of these prayers often aligns with themes of gratitude, forgiveness, and commitment to Christian living.
In Protestant traditions, one might choose to pray:
“Lord, I thank You for this time of Communion. As I partake in this symbolic act, I am reminded of Your great love for me. Help me to carry this love into the world and be a reflection of Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
This prayer reflects the Protestant belief that the bread and wine symbolize Christ’s body and blood, and it expresses gratitude and the desire to live out Christ’s teachings.
Prayer After Communion Orthodox
In the Orthodox Christian tradition, prayers after Communion are deeply rooted in the ancient liturgical practices of the Eastern Orthodox Church. These prayers are rich in symbolism and theological significance. An example of an Orthodox post-Communion prayer is:
“O Lord, I thank You for allowing me to partake of Your most pure and heavenly gifts. May Your presence dwell within me and transform my life. Grant me strength to live according to Your will and to be a witness of Your love to the world. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.”
This prayer emphasizes the mystical and transformative nature of the Eucharist and seeks the presence of Christ within the believer.
In conclusion, what prayer to say after Communion may vary depending on your Christian tradition, but the fundamental elements of these post-Communion prayers are thanksgiving, a desire for spiritual nourishment, and a commitment to live in accordance with the teachings of Christ. Regardless of the specific words used, the act of praying after Communion serves as a powerful and personal way to deepen one’s connection with God and the transformative experience of receiving the body and blood of Christ.
