This prayer is made kneeling before an image of the crucified Christ, contemplating his wounds and asking for true sorrow, faith, hope, and love.
The Prayer
Behold, O good and most sweet Jesus,
I cast myself upon my knees in your sight,
and with the most fervent desire of my soul
I pray and beseech you
that you would impress upon my heart
lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity,
with true contrition for my sins,
and a firm purpose of amendment;
while with deep affection and grief of soul
I ponder within myself
and mentally contemplate your five wounds,
having before my eyes
the words which David the prophet put on your lips concerning you:
'They have pierced my hands and my feet;
they have numbered all my bones.'
When to Pray This Prayer
Before a crucifix, especially during Lent and on Fridays, and after receiving Holy Communion.
About This Prayer
Long enriched by the Church for those who pray it before the Cross, this prayer draws the heart into the mystery of Christ's Passion.
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Text: traditional Prayer Before a Crucifix. Scripture quoted: Psalm 21, Douay-Rheims (public domain).