Praying before Communion

When the Holy Eucharist is distributed, most people go back to their pews and say a prayer of reflection and thanksgiving. How many people say a prayer before receiving?

I recently started saying a prayer before going up to receive Communion and it’s made a big difference in how I feel afterwards. I have looked at many “prayers before Communion” but now say my own prayer:

My Jesus,

I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but every time that I choose to come to Mass, I am able to receive you in Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
With this great gift, be with me and nourish my soul to strengthen me for the journey that God has set me on.
Help me to help others and to keep coming back to you.
Bless and be with our priests who are doing Your work and celebrating the Mass so we can receive the Eucharist.
I know these words are not enough but I can only say thank you for the great sacrifice you made for me.
O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All Praise and All Thanksgiving, Be Every Moment Thine.
Amen

I have noticed since making a conscious effort to do this, I feel more prepared to receive Jesus into my heart. It has always been special to be able to receive Him but now I feel that I am more receptive to what this great meal actually does. The Eucharist (which means thanksgiving) was instituted by Christ so we could not only remember what He did for us but to also know that every time we receive, He is with us. Many of us, including myself, have periods where we don’t think that God is with us. All we have to do is receive this life-giving food to know that He is there. He in his ultimate wisdom provides us with a tangible earthly way of telling us that He is always with us.

So, if you are not already saying a prayer before Communion, try it next time. You will find that when you prepare your heart to receive Christ, it will change the way you look at the Mass and the Eucharist.