Prayer Before a Crucifix
Known in Latin as “En ego” from its first words, this prayer appears in the 15th century and has carried an indulgence for centuries for those who say it kneeling before a crucifix after Communion. It asks for the three theological virtues, real sorrow and a firm purpose of amendment, then turns to look at the five wounds. The closing quotation is Psalm 22, the psalm Jesus began on the cross.
Traditional, 15th century (“En ego”)
Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus,
while before your face I humbly kneel,
and with burning soul pray and beseech you
to fix deep in my heart
lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity,
true contrition for my sins,
and a firm purpose of amendment;
while I contemplate with great love and tender pity
your five most precious wounds,
pondering over them within me,
and calling to mind the words
which David, your prophet, said of you, my Jesus:
“They have pierced my hands and my feet;
they have numbered all my bones.”
Amen.