Spiritual Communion

St. Thomas Aquinas described it as " an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the most holy sacrament and lovingly embrace him” at a time or in circumstances when we cannot receive him in sacramental Communion. Many saints who were masters of the spiritual life would incorporate making a spiritual communion as part of their daily lives especially when their desire for union with God was more than just once a week or if circumstances prohibited them from receiving the Eucharist.

Here is a prayer that you can say to make a spiritual communion.

My Jesus,

I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things,

and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment

receive You sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.

Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.