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Prayer Before a Crucifix
A traditional prayer to pray slowly before a crucifix, remembering the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Part of the Jesus prayer collection.
In brief
This prayer is meant to be prayed slowly before a crucifix. It asks Jesus for faith, hope, charity, contrition and a firm decision to change.
Prayer: Prayer Before a Crucifix
Behold, O good and most dear Jesus, I kneel before You and with the greatest desire of my soul I ask You to fix deep within my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity; true contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment. While I contemplate Your five wounds, and meditate upon them with deep compassion and sorrow, I keep before my eyes that which David the prophet spoke concerning You, O good Jesus: "They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones."
Source note: Traditional prayer before a crucifix
What is the prayer before a crucifix?
This is a traditional Catholic prayer of contrition and contemplation. The crucifix gives the prayer a physical focus: instead of thinking about the Cross as an idea, you stand or kneel before the image of Jesus and answer His love with repentance, trust and a renewed purpose.
How to pray it in three quiet minutes
- Become still. Look at the crucifix and take two unhurried breaths.
- Read the prayer slowly. Pause at “faith, hope and charity” and name the grace you need today.
- Respond with one decision. Ask what concrete act of love, forgiveness or courage you can make after you leave.
When should I pray before a crucifix?
Pray it before Mass, after Confession, during Eucharistic Adoration, at home before a crucifix, or whenever you need to return from fear and distraction to the love of Christ. You can pray only the first sentence when you have no more than a moment.
The Jesus PrayerPrayer to the Sacred HeartThe Divine Mercy Chaplet
Frequently asked questions
Is this prayer only for Good Friday?
No. Good Friday is a natural time to pray it, but the prayer is suitable throughout the year whenever you want to meditate on Christ’s Passion and ask for a changed heart.
Do I need to kneel?
No. Kneeling can express reverence, but you may pray standing, seated or beside a hospital bed. Attention and sincerity matter more than posture.
What should I do after the prayer?
Remain silent for a minute, then make one small act of amendment. You may close with an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.