Anima Christi
"Soul of Christ, sanctify me" — a 14th-century prayer of intimacy.
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 thy wounds, hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from thee.
From the malicious enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me,
and bid me come to thee,
that with thy saints I may praise thee
forever and ever.
Amen.
About this prayer
The Anima Christi dates to at least the early 14th century and was a favorite of Ignatius of Loyola, who placed it at the front of the Spiritual Exercises. It is a prayer of intimacy with the body and blood of Christ — a prayer of belonging.
When to pray it
After communion. In times of temptation or spiritual darkness. When you need to feel close to Christ.