BEHOLD, O good and sweetest Jesus,
I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight,
and with the most fervent desire of my soul
I pray and beseech Thee
to impress upon my heart
lively sentiments of faith,
hope and charity,
with true repentance for my sins
and a most firm desire of amendment:
whilst with deep affection and grief of soul
I consider within myself
and mentally contemplate Thy five most precious Wounds,
having before mine eyes that which David, the prophet,
long ago spoke in Thine Own person concerning Thee,
my Jesus: They have pierced My hands and My feet,
they have numbered all My bones [Psalm 21, 17, 18]
Next, say the
“Our Father…”
“Hail Mary…”
“Glory Be…”
for the Catholic Church
and the intentions of the Holy Father.
(A plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, may be gained by those who shall say this prayer with devotion before an image of our crucified Redeemer. A partial indulgence may also be gained for each devout recitation.)
Further insights into Prayer before a Crucifix #2
The Prayer before a Crucifix is a powerful expression of the Catholic faith and has been a central part of Catholic piety for centuries.
The prayer is rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ, through his death on the cross, has redeemed all of humanity and offers the promise of eternal life to all who believe in him.
The Prayer before a Crucifix is often used as a means of expressing gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as well as a way of seeking his guidance and strength in times of difficulty.
The prayer has been set to music by many composers, including Bach, Mozart, and Handel, and is often used in Catholic liturgies and devotions.
The Prayer before a Crucifix has also been the subject of many works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows, all of which serve as reminders of the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice in the Catholic faith.
Today, the Prayer before a Crucifix remains a beloved and powerful part of Catholic devotion, and continues to inspire and comfort believers around the world in their daily lives and spiritual journeys.