Prayer after Receiving Holy Communion

The moments after Holy Communion are the most precious of the day. Christ is truly
present within us, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, for as long as the sacred species remain,
which spiritual writers reckoned at about a quarter of an hour. The saints insisted on a
fervent thanksgiving. St. Philip Neri, seeing a man leave the church immediately after Communion,
is said to have sent two altar boys with lighted candles to accompany him, since he
was carrying the Blessed Sacrament.

During these minutes, kneel quietly, close the eyes, and speak to Our Lord as to a guest in one’s
home: adore Him, thank Him, tell Him of your needs and those of others, and offer yourself to
Him. The prayer from the leaflet below is a simple act of faith in His Real Presence; the Prayer before
a Crucifix in Part Five and the Anima Christi that follows are also traditional prayers of
thanksgiving.

O Jesus, I believe that Thou art truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. Although my
eyes and tongue tell me that I have received only bread, yet my faith tells me that I have
received Thy Body and Blood. I believe, Lord; help Thou my unbelief. I adore Thee as
my God and my Savior. Amen.