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Prayer After the Reception of
Holy Communion

I give thanks to Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal
God, who hast vouchsafed, not for any merit of mine, but solely
out of the condescension of Thy mercy, to satisfy me a sinner,
Thine unworthy servant, with the precious Body and Blood of
Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray that this holy Communion be not to me a condemnation
unto punishment, but a saving plea unto forgiveness. May it be
unto me the armour of faith and the shield of good will. May it be
the emptying out of my vices, the extinction of all concupiscence
and lust, the increase of charity and patience, of humility and
obedience, and of all virtues; a strong defense against the snares of
all enemies, visible and invisible; the perfect quieting of all my evil
impulses, both fleshly and ghostly; a firm cleaving unto Thee, the
one true God; and a pledge of a blessed destiny.

And I beseech Thee, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bring me, a
sinner, to the ineffable banquet, where Thou, with Thy Son and
the Holy Ghost, art to Thy saints true light, fullness of content,
eternal joy, gladness without alloy and perfect happiness.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Thomas Aquinas

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