Spiritual Communion
There are times when people are unable to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, through illness or due to their personal disposition. Even though some may not receive ‘sacramental’ Communion, all are united in some way by the Holy Spirit. The traditional idea of ‘spiritual’ Communion is an important one to remember and reaffirm. A deep spiritual communion is possible even when we do not share together the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. (cf. Celebrating the Mass 212)
My Jesus,
I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar.
I love you above all things
and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,
come spiritually into my soul
so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever.
Amen.based on a prayer of St Alphonsus Liguori
Prayer for Health Staff
Wondrous God, author of life,
you fashioned us in your likeness
and breathed into us the life which is your own.
Be with those whose special care is the health of mind and body.
Fill their hearts with awe for the life which is your gift
and sustain them daily in your service,
that their hands may bring to others
the comfort of your healing touch.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for those affected by the current situation
Merciful God,
come to the help of your people.
Be our shelter in this time of peril
and strengthen the bonds of our community.
Bring healing to all who suffer the ravages of disease
and assist those whose skill and art can put an end to this affliction.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the Household
Hear us, Lord, and send your angel from heaven
to visit and protect, to comfort and defend
all who live in this house. Amen.
General Prayer for Health
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
O Lord, come to my rescue,
Lord, come to my aid.
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;Ps 39:14
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.Jer 17:14
Lord, save me.Matt 14: 30
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.Rev 22:20
- Simply hold a cross or crucifix and ask to know the closeness of Jesus to you, to know his sharing in your pain, for love of you. You might use any cross, but especially popular are the olive wood hand crosses made in Palestine. We offer our sickness and suffering in union with others, with Jesus, of course, but with all who suffer.
- Pray a decade of the Rosary – or just hold the beads and remind yourself of God’s love and care
- Quietly sing or hum a favourite hymn tune… Can’t remember the words? Try ‘google’.
- Make use of a picture that speaks to you of God’s power, love, and care. You may have guidebooks to favourite shrines which can focus prayer – and again, of course, ‘google’ offers many images…
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