Prayer Before a Crucifix
Behold, O good and most sweet Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul, I pray and beseech Thee that Thou wouldst impress upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, with true repentance for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment; while with deep affection and grief of soul, I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five most precious Wounds, having before my eyes that which David the prophet spoke of Thee, O good Jesus: They have pierced my hands and my feet, they have numbered all my bones. (Ps. 21: 17-18)
It is customary to add one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be for the intentions of the Holy Father to gain the indulgence attached to this prayer.
Contexte Historique
This ancient and venerable prayer, whose Latin incipit is ‘En ego, o bone et dulcissime Iesu,’ has been a cherished devotion in the Church for centuries. It is traditionally recited while kneeling before an image of Christ crucified. The prayer serves as a profound meditation on the Passion and the Five Wounds of Our Lord, guiding the soul to ask for the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, as well as true contrition. Various Popes have enriched this prayer with indulgences, particularly when recited with piety after Holy Communion.