Prayer Before a Crucifix

Prayer to Christ Crucified

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, true contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment, while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Thy Five Wounds, pondering over them within me and calling to mind the words which David, Thy prophet, said of Thee, my Jesus, "They have pierced My Hands and My Feet, they have numbered all My Bones." (Ps. XXII 17-18)

(On any Friday during Lent a plenary indulgence is granted the Christian faithful who, after communion, devoutly recite the above prayer before an image of Jesus Christ crucified. On other days of the year, with the addition of prayers for the Holy Father's intentions, the indulgence is a partial one.)

"Let him who desires to attain union with God keep the eyes of his soul ever fixed on Him who hangs dying on the Cross. It is from those wounds of the Saviour that man draws power to suffer not merely with patience, but with joy." ~ Saint Bonaventure

The Heart of Jesus is closer to you when you suffer than when you are full of joy ~ Saint Margaret Mary

Never say in thy desperation, my sin is too great for forgiveness! No, no, however great it is, much greater is the fatherly loving-kindness of thy God. ~ Saint Bernard

'I am very glad that our divine Master has shown you that these trials add to the burden of your office; for He wishes them to be the cause of your having more frequent recourse to His Goodness, which will turn all these things to His glory and to your advantage, if you second His designs.' ~ St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, to a Superioress

The Saints await us; the Angels await us; Mary awaits us; and Jesus stands with the crown in His hands wherewith to crown us if we shall be faithful to Him. ~ Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori