Spiritual Communion

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear? :
the Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

Adapted from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

Introduction

Some will find it helpful to have a space as a focus for their prayer. This might include a crucifix, icon or other holy image, and a lighted candle.
 
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
 
Examen
Before listening to the Word of God take a moment to reflect.
For what am I grateful to God for today?
Where did I stray from God: through words, actions or things I did not do.
How might I do better tomorrow?
What grace do I ask from God in order to live more closely in his love.
 
Lord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth:
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
You are the Good Shepherd, leading us to eternal life:
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
 
The Word of God
The readings for the Mass of the Day can be found online at www.usccb.org or at www.magnificat.net.  If you are unable to find the readings, pray with the following Psalm and Gospel passage.
 
Psalm 85 (1-6, 11, 15-16)
Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer
for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am faithful:
save the servant who trusts in you.
You are my God, have mercy on me, Lord,
for I cry to you all the day long.
Give joy to your servant, O Lord,
for to you I lift up my soul.
O Lord, you are good and forgiving,
full of love to all who call.
Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer
and attend to the sound of my voice.
Show me, Lord, your way
so that I may walk in your truth.
Guide my heart to fear your name.
You, God of mercy and compassion,
slow to anger, O Lord,
abounding in love and truth,
turn and take pity on me.

Gospel Mark 4:35–41
On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, ‘Let us go across to the
other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as
he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the
waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was
in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher,
do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and
said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were
filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the
wind and the sea obey him?’
 
Silent reflection
Pause for a moment of silent reflection.
 
Prayers
Intercessions
Pray for family and loved ones so that they may be held in God’s compassionate care. Pray for other countries who are struggling with the effects of the Coronavirus. 
 
For the Church:
may she offer prayers and consolation for all those affected.
 
For our local community and all for those in need:
may those who are isolated know the support and service of their neighbors.
 
For those in authority:
may they offer advice with care and integrity, may they seek to protect the poor and vulnerable.
 
For all who work in healthcare:
give strength to all who look after the sick so that they may bring comfort and relief to the suffering.
 
 
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father…

  
Spiritual Communion
Prayer of St Alphonsus
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.                                      
 
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. 
Body of Christ, save me. 
Blood of Christ, inebriate me. 
Water from the side of Christ, wash me. 
Passion of Christ, strengthen me. 
O good Jesus, hear me. 
Within Your wounds hide me. 
Separated from You let me never be. 
From the malicious enemy, defend me. 
At the hour of death, call me. 
And close to You bid me. 
That with Your saints I may be Praising You, forever and ever. 
Amen.
 
Conclusion
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
 
Additional Prayers
Pope Francis’ prayer to the Virgin for protection
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.
We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us,
through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection.
Amen.
 
Invocation of Our Lady – The Memorare  
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help,
or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence,
I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.
 
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.