The form of prayer below, adapted from guidance from the Church of England, offers Christians an opportunity to give thanks for their communion with Jesus Christ, particularly at times when they would ordinarily be present at the Eucharist.
In making a Spiritual Communion, you may wish to pray all or part of the following, as you are able.
You may wish to find a space for prayer in front of a cross, a candle or a special place.
You might choose to make your Spiritual Communion at a particular time of day, or after viewing a live-streamed service, or during or after listening to one of the services from this website.
A time for reflection
Reflect on the day and on your relationships:
- What good things have come from God today?
- Where have I fallen short?
- What might I do tomorrow?
You may wish to say or pray:
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
The Word of God
Read the following words from Scripture. If you have access to today’s readings for Holy Communion, you may wish to read and reflect on them.
Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’
John 6:35
A time for prayer
Pray for the needs of the world, for your local community, and for those close to you. You might like to follow this daily pattern of topics, to join with others in the benefice:
- Sunday: A time of prayer and celebration for the whole Benefice also offering prayers for the well-being of the whole world and God’s creation
- Monday: The people of Bassingthorpe and those who are working in the National Health Service
- Tuesday: The people of Bitchfield and all those who are working to supply our daily needs
- Wednesday: The people of Burton-le-Coggles and those who are feeling vulnerable and isolated
- Thursday: The people of Corby Glen and for those who fear the financial and social effects of the current crisis
- Friday: The people of Irnham and those in positions of leadership, and especially for our Government and others leading the response to current crisis
- Saturday: The people of Swayfield and local services and businesses and for all who are working for the wellbeing of those less resilient than themselves
End with the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
A time for thanksgiving
Give thanks for the saving death and resurrection of Jesus and ask him to be with you now.
Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits you have given me,
for all the pains and insults you have borne for me.
Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,
I ask you to come spiritually into my heart.
O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
may I know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly,
day by day. Amen.
(after the Prayer of St Richard of Chichester)
Concluding prayers
You might then add one or more of the following prayers.
Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your disciples,
‘I am with you always’.
Be with me today, as I offer myself to you.
Hear my prayers for others and for myself,
and keep me in your care. Amen.
O God,
help me to trust you,
help me to know that you are with me,
help me to believe that nothing can separate me from your love
revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, in these days of mercy,
make us quiet and prayerful;
in these days of challenge,
make us stronger in you;
in these days of emptiness,
take possession of us;
in these days of waiting,
open our hearts to the mystery of your cross. Amen.
(Angela Ashwin)
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you most humble and hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving kindness.
We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And give us, we pray, such a sense of all your mercies
that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful,
and that we show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Conclude with the following:
The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life. Amen.