Prayer Before a Crucifix

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee 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, Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me and calling to mind the words which David, Thy prophet, said of Thee, my Jesus: ‘They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones.’ Amen.

📜About

This prayer is believed to have originated around 1205 and is commonly attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, inspired during his time at San Damiano. It reflects a deep meditation on Christ’s suffering, echoing sentiments from Psalm 22, and has been a part of Catholic tradition for centuries .

✝️ Indulgences

The Church grants spiritual benefits to those who devoutly recite this prayer:

• Plenary Indulgence: Available on any Friday during Lent, provided the faithful recite this prayer after Communion before a crucifix and fulfill the usual conditions: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, prayer for the Pope’s intentions, and complete detachment from sin.
• Partial Indulgence: Granted when the prayer is recited devoutly on other days under similar conditions .