The Ave Verum Corpus is a short medieval Eucharistic hymn, probably from the fourteenth century, that greets Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. It was traditionally sung at the elevation of the Host during Mass, and it is famous today through the musical settings of Mozart, Byrd, and Elgar. In just a few lines, it connects the Eucharist to the Incarnation, the Cross, and our own death. Pray it during Eucharistic adoration, after receiving Holy Communion, at Benedic

When the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the monstrance, the Church invites us to stop and simply look at Jesus, truly present in the Host, and let Him look at us. Many parishes offer Eucharistic adoration weekly or even perpetually, and a short prayer helps settle the heart when you first kneel down. This traditional act of adoration asks for an increase in the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Pray it when you arrive at adoration, at the start of a Holy

When we cannot receive Holy Communion, whether because of illness, distance, travel, or some other reason, the Church encourages us to make a spiritual communion: an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist and to welcome Him into our hearts. St. Thomas Aquinas described it as a desire for the Sacrament, and the Council of Trent praised it. The form given here is based on the well-known prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori. Pray it while watching a livestreamed Mass, during

The Anima Christi, "Soul of Christ, sanctify me," dates from the early fourteenth century. Its author is unknown, though it was long associated with St. Ignatius of Loyola, who loved it and placed it at the beginning of his Spiritual Exercises. Each short line turns to a part of Christ's sacred humanity, His Soul, Body, Blood, the water from His side, and His Passion, and asks for grace from it. It is traditionally prayed after receiving Holy Communion, as a thanksgiving whil

After receiving Our Lord, linger in thanksgiving with this traditional prayer. The Prayer My good Jesus, I thank Thee with all my heart for giving Thyself to me in this Holy Communion. May Thy holy Body and Blood increase my faith, strengthen my hope, and inflame my charity. Take entire possession of me, that I may live only for Thee. Keep me from all sin, and make me persevere in Thy love until death. Amen. Traditional prayer after Communion; classic manuals, public domain.

Approach the altar with this traditional prayer of faith, humility, and desire. The Prayer O Lord Jesus Christ, King of everlasting glory, behold I desire to come to Thee this day, and to receive Thy Body and Blood in this heavenly Sacrament, for Thy honor and glory, and the good of my soul. I desire to receive Thee, because it is Thy desire, and Thou hast so ordained: blessed be Thy Name forever. I desire to come to Thee like Magdalen, that I may be delivered from all my evi

When unable to receive sacramentally, this act of desire expresses longing for Jesus in the Eucharist. The Prayer My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love Thee above all things, and I desire to receive Thee into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace Thee as if Thou wert already there and unite myself wholly to Thee. Never permit me to be separated from Thee. Ame