In Orthodox Christianity, receiving the Holy Eucharist is a sacred and transformative moment. The Eucharist is not just symbolic—it is the true Body and Blood of Christ, given for our salvation.
The Church Fathers teach that we must prepare spiritually before approaching the Holy Mysteries. This preparation includes:
- Prayer – Asking for God’s mercy and grace.
- Fasting – Observing the Church’s guidelines for Holy Communion.
- Confession – Seeking reconciliation through repentance.
As St. Paul warns:
“Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the Body and Blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27, NIV)
The following Orthodox prayers before Holy Communion help us approach the Eucharist with humility, reverence, and a pure heart.
Orthodox Prayers Before Communion
1. Prayer of St. John Chrysostom (A Traditional Pre-Communion Prayer)
O Lord, my God,
I am not worthy that You should enter under the roof of my soul,
For it is all desolate and ruined,
And You do not have in me a place worthy to lay Your head.
But as You humbled Yourself from on high,
So now also humble Yourself to my lowliness.
As You deigned to lie in a manger in a cave,
So now also deign to enter into the manger of my humble soul.
As You did not disdain the sinful woman who came and touched You,
So also be merciful to me, a sinner, as I approach You.
And as You did not reject the tax collector and the thief,
So also receive me, repenting, O my Savior.
Cleanse me from all sin, O Lord,
And sanctify my soul and body.
Let my receiving of these Divine Mysteries
Be not for condemnation,
But for eternal life.
Amen.
2. The Prayer of St. Basil the Great (For a Worthy Reception of the Eucharist)
O Lord,
I know that I am unworthy to receive Your holy and immaculate Body and Blood.
Yet in Your great mercy,
You invite all who are burdened to come to You.
Therefore, I draw near with humility and faith,
Not trusting in my own righteousness,
But in Your infinite compassion.
Grant that my reception of the Holy Mysteries
May bring me healing of soul and body,
Increase of faith,
And the grace to live according to Your will.
Amen.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)
3. Psalm 50 (51) – A Prayer of Repentance
(Traditionally recited before receiving Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church.)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy,
And according to the multitude of Your compassions, blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
Against You, You only, have I sinned,
And done evil in Your sight.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me with Your guiding Spirit.
“A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 50:17, LXX)
4. Prayer of St. Symeon the New Theologian
O Lord, I stand before You,
Unworthy to receive Your Holy Mysteries,
Yet I come in faith, trusting in Your mercy.
Cleanse me of all impurity,
Wash away my sins,
And make me worthy to partake of Your Body and Blood.
May this Holy Communion
Bring light to my soul,
Healing to my body,
And strength for the journey to eternal life.
Amen.
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:51, NIV)
5. The Jesus Prayer (For Humility Before Communion)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,
Have mercy on me, a sinner.
(Repeat 10-50 times in silent prayer.)
6. Pre-Communion Troparia (Hymn of Preparation)
Behold, I approach the Divine Communion.
Burn me not as I partake, O Creator,
For You are fire consuming the unworthy.
But purify me of all stain.
Receive me today, O Son of God,
As a partaker of Your Mystical Supper,
For I will not speak of Your Mystery to Your enemies,
Nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas,
But like the thief, I confess You:
Remember me, O Lord, in Your Kingdom.
7. Prayer to the Theotokos (Mother of God) Before Communion
O Most Holy Theotokos,
Intercede for me before Your Son,
That He may grant me the grace
To receive Him worthily.
Cover me with Your protection,
And guide me in the path of holiness,
So that I may partake of the Divine Mysteries
With a pure heart and deep faith.
Amen.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47, NIV)
Why Pray Before Communion?
The Orthodox Church teaches that Holy Communion is the true Body and Blood of Christ. This requires spiritual preparation through:
- Prayer – Seeking God’s mercy and grace.
- Fasting – Abstaining from food and drink before Communion.
- Confession – Cleansing our souls through repentance.
- Faith – Believing in the Real Presence of Christ.
As St. John Chrysostom wrote:
“Let no one approach the Holy Mysteries with a cold heart, but rather with fervent faith and deep reverence.”
Scriptures for Reflection Before Communion
- John 6:53-54 – “Unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, you have no life in you.”
- 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 – “Whoever eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks judgment upon himself.”
- Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.”
Prayer Prompt Faith Activity
- Commit to praying these prayers before every Communion.
- Spend time in silent reflection before the Divine Liturgy.
- Prepare through fasting and confession according to Orthodox tradition.
- Encourage others to deepen their love for the Eucharist through prayer.