Prayer to Jesus Crucified

Prayer to Jesus Crucified

O Jesus Christ, crucified for love of me, I adore You and bless You. You chose the Cross to redeem the world and to show the depth of Your mercy.

By Your holy Cross and bitter Passion, forgive my sins, heal my soul, and draw my heart closer to Yours.

Grant that I may carry my crosses with patience, unite my sufferings to Yours, and never be separated from You.

Jesus crucified, have mercy on me and on the whole world. Amen.

A "Prayer to Jesus Crucified" is a devotional prayer in Christianity, particularly within Catholicism, that focuses on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. These prayers typically express sentiments of faith, hope, charity, repentance for sins, and a firm purpose of amendment, often contemplating Jesus' five wounds. The prayers frequently reference Psalm 22:17-18 (or Psalm 21 in some numbering systems), which states, "They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones"

These prayers are often recited before a crucifix or an image of the crucified Redeemer. They serve as a means for believers to reflect on the immense love and suffering of Jesus, to express gratitude for salvation, and to seek mercy and blessings. Some versions of the prayer may also invoke the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary or other saints. The act of kneeling before a crucifix and reciting such a prayer can be associated with gaining indulgences under specific conditions within the Catholic Church.

Key elements commonly found in a Prayer to Jesus Crucified include:

• Expression of humility and devotion: The prayer often begins with the supplicant casting themselves on their knees before Jesus, expressing fervent spirit and deep affection.

• Request for virtues and repentance: A central theme is the plea for the infusion of ardent sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, along with true repentance for sins and a firm purpose of amendment.

• Contemplation of the Five Wounds: The prayer frequently involves meditating on Jesus' five most precious wounds (hands, feet, and side), acknowledging the pain and sacrifice. This contemplation is a profound act of spiritual reflection on the physical suffering endured by Christ for humanity's salvation.

• Biblical reference: The words of the prophet David from Psalm 22:17-18 ("They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones") are often quoted, connecting the Old Testament prophecy to the crucifixion.

• Acknowledgement of suffering and gratitude for salvation: The prayer acknowledges the crushing pain, wounds, tiredness, agony, and precious blood shed by Jesus, expressing profound gratitude for the salvation offered through this sacrifice.

• Plea for mercy and blessings: Many prayers conclude with a request for divine mercy, compassion, healing, blessings, and salvation for oneself and all humanity.

• Intercession: Some prayers may include appeals to the Heavenly Father through the Son Jesus, or seek the intercession of Mary, the Blessed Mother.

These prayers are considered timeless classics within Catholic devotion and are often found in prayer booklets and online resources dedicated to Catholic prayers. They are a powerful way for individuals to connect with the core tenets of their faith and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.