Easter is the natural season for it. On the evening of the resurrection, two disciples walking to Emmaus didn’t recognize Jesus, even after he explained the Scriptures to them. Then he sat at table with them, “took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him.”
Historical Context
A Prayer Before Communion at Easter
Risen Lord, you rose from the dead and you come to me now.
I’m not worthy to receive you,
but you invite me anyway.
Open my eyes, as you opened the eyes of the disciples at Emmaus,
so I can recognize you in the breaking of the bread.
Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof,
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
Amen.
Anima Christi (After Communion)
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
for ever and ever.
Amen.
A Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe you are present in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love you above all things and I long for you.
Since I can’t receive you now, come at least spiritually into my heart.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- Before and after Communion on Easter Sunday.
- Throughout the fifty days of Easter.
- At a First Communion, often held in Eastertide.
Scripture Connection
“And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him.” — Luke 24:30-31
The risen Jesus made himself known in a meal. That’s still where Christians meet him most closely.
Related prayers
For the Eucharist, see the Holy Thursday Prayer and Sacrament Prayer. For Easter, the He Has Risen Prayer.