Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas

“The Eucharist is the sacrament of love; it signifies love, it produces love.” — St. Thomas Aquinas

Public Domain: Saint Thomas Aquinas. Oil painting via Wellcome Collection.

The Prayer

Lord, Father all-powerful and ever-living God, I thank You, for even though I am a sinner, Your unprofitable servant, not because of my worth but in the kindness of Your mercy, You have fed me with the Precious Body and Blood of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that this Holy Communion may not bring me condemnation and punishment but forgiveness and salvation. May it be a helmet of faith and a shield of good will. May it purify me from evil ways and put an end to my evil passions. May it bring me charity and patience, humility and obedience, and growth in the power to do good. May it be my strong defense against all my enemies, visible and invisible, and the perfect calming of all my evil impulses, bodily and spiritual. May it unite me more closely to You, the one true God, and lead me safely through death to everlasting happiness with You. And I pray that You will lead me, a sinner, to the banquet where You, with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, are true and perfect light, total fulfillment, everlasting joy, gladness without end, and perfect happiness with Your saints. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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About This Prayer

This traditional Catholic prayer of thanksgiving is attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas and is intended to be prayed after receiving Holy Communion. Rooted deeply in Eucharistic theology, the prayer expresses humility, gratitude, and trust in God’s mercy rather than personal merit. It asks that the grace of the Eucharist bear fruit in holiness, virtue, and perseverance, while uniting the soul more closely to God and strengthening it against sin and spiritual temptation.

When To Pray

This prayer is most fitting to pray immediately after receiving Holy Communion, either during Mass or in silent thanksgiving afterward. It may also be prayed later in the day as an act of gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist or during personal prayer when reflecting on God’s mercy and grace. Many Catholics find it especially meaningful during seasons of renewal, such as the beginning of a new year, retreats, or times of spiritual recommitment.