Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come unto Thee,
that with Thy saints I may praise Thee,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The prayer Soul of Christ is one of the most beautiful and profound prayers of the Christian tradition. Its origin dates back to the 14th century and is traditionally attributed to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. However, records indicate that this prayer was known even before the birth of Saint Ignatius, suggesting that he merely incorporated it into his Spiritual Exercises, thereby spreading it widely among Jesuits and the faithful in general.
Origin and History of the Prayer
The Soul of Christ prayer has deep roots in Christian tradition, appearing in various ancient manuscripts. One of the earliest records dates from 1334, long before the foundation of the Society of Jesus. Its use as a prayer of thanksgiving after Communion is documented in the Missale Romanum, reflecting its significance in medieval piety.
Although the exact authorship of the prayer remains unknown, its dissemination was greatly promoted by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, who included it in his Spiritual Exercises. This inclusion strengthened its association with Ignatian spirituality, even though the composition of the prayer predates the saint himself.
During the Middle Ages, there was a strong spiritual movement focused on union with Christ, especially in His Passion. Mystics and theologians emphasised the need for the soul to conform itself to the redemptive suffering of Christ as a path to sanctification. The Soul of Christ prayer fits perfectly into this context, expressing a profound desire for purification and protection through divine grace.
Saint Augustine, in his works, already reflected on the importance of union with Christ. In Confessions (X, 29), he writes: “Late have I loved You, O Beauty so ancient and so new, late have I loved You! And behold, You were within me, and I sought You outside…”. This experience of seeking and finding Christ echoes in the Soul of Christ prayer, wherein one implores the sanctifying presence of the Saviour.
Saint Thomas Aquinas, for his part, offers a theological basis for the desire to be sanctified by the Body and Blood of Christ. In his Summa Theologiae (III, q. 73, a. 3), he affirms: “This sacrament not only nourishes and sustains spiritual life but also restores the soul and protects it from sin.” The prayer reflects this teaching in its plea that the Body and Blood of Christ may save and inebriate the soul of the faithful.
The mention of the water flowing from the side of Christ in the prayer also has biblical and theological foundations. John 19:34 describes how blood and water flowed from Christ’s side, interpreted by the Church Fathers as symbols of the Eucharist and Baptism. Saint Thomas Aquinas, in his commentary on the Gospel of John, reinforces this interpretation, linking it to spiritual regeneration.
The incorporation of the Soul of Christ prayer into the liturgical tradition reveals its role in Christian devotion. Its continued use demonstrates how it has become an authentic expression of the faithful’s piety, resonating with the teachings of the great Doctors of the Church and serving as a heartfelt plea for union with Christ.
Connection with Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Although he was not its author, Saint Ignatius adopted this prayer and included it in his Spiritual Exercises, a method of meditation and spiritual deepening. His aim was to provide the faithful with a profound experience of encountering God, leading them to contemplate the mysteries of the faith and grow in spiritual life.
The inclusion of the Soul of Christ prayer in the Spiritual Exercises made it a central element of Ignatian spirituality. The practice of the Exercises proposes that the faithful stand before God with total surrender, seeking to discern His will and conform themselves to Christ. The prayer reinforces this attitude by invoking sanctification, protection, and union with Jesus.
Ignatian spirituality emphasises total surrender to God and identification with Christ in the Eucharist and His Passion. In the Soul of Christ, this identification manifests in the desire to be sanctified by Christ’s soul, saved by His body, and inebriated by His blood. These petitions reflect a longing to participate fully in divine life, an essential aspect of the Ignatian tradition.
Beyond the Eucharist, the prayer also expresses a deep yearning for immersion in the Passion of Christ. The plea to be hidden within His wounds evokes a spirituality of refuge and intimacy with the Saviour, a theme frequently found in the writings of saints and Christian mystics. For the Jesuits, this aspect of the prayer reinforces the call to follow Christ on the path of the cross.
Another striking feature of the prayer is its emphasis on perseverance and protection against evil. By asking that Christ not allow the faithful to be separated from Him and to defend them from the evil spirit, the Soul of Christ resonates with the Ignatian ideal of spiritual vigilance and discernment. Saint Ignatius taught that the Christian must remain attentive to interior movements, resisting temptations and seeking God’s will in all things.
For these reasons, the Soul of Christ prayer has become one of the most beloved in the Ignatian tradition and continues to be widely prayed today. Its content reflects the essence of the Spiritual Exercises, promoting a spirituality of surrender, trust, and profound desire for union with Christ.
Structure and Symbolism of the Prayer
The Soul of Christ prayer is composed of short, direct invocations, each laden with theological and mystical significance. Below we examine its main lines and their symbolism:
“Soul of Christ, sanctify me”
The term “soul of Christ” refers to the totality of Jesus’ person, especially His infinite holiness. The idea of sanctification points towards the universal call to holiness, as indicated in Leviticus 11:44: “Be holy, for I am holy.”
“Body of Christ, save me”
This line refers directly to the Eucharist, the Sacrament in which the faithful receive the Body of Christ as nourishment for salvation. The importance of this sacrament is emphasised by Jesus in John 6:51: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live for ever.”
“Blood of Christ, inebriate me”
The term “inebriate” should not be understood literally, but symbolically, as a state of spiritual ecstasy. The Blood of Christ, shed on the cross, is the source of redemption, as described in Matthew 26:28: “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
“Water from the side of Christ, wash me”
The water which flowed from Christ’s side when pierced by the lance (John 19:34) symbolises Baptism and spiritual purification. The Church Fathers often associated this passage with the birth of the Church, flowing from the side of Christ, just as Eve was taken from the side of Adam.
“Passion of Christ, strengthen me”
This line expresses the desire to find strength in the Passion of Christ, recalling the words of Isaiah 53:5: “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.”
“O good Jesus, hear me”
Here, there is a direct appeal for divine listening, echoing John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
“Within Thy wounds, hide me”
The idea of seeking refuge in Christ’s wounds holds profound significance in medieval spirituality and in the writings of saints such as Saint Gertrude and Saint Bernard. It is a plea for spiritual protection and intimate union with the Redeemer.
“Permit me not to be separated from Thee”
This invocation reflects the yearning for perseverance in faith, recalling Christ’s promise in Romans 8:39: “Nothing shall separate us from the love of God.”
“From the malignant enemy, defend me”
Here there is a clear plea for spiritual deliverance from the temptations and assaults of the evil one, as taught in the Our Father: “Deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13)
“In the hour of my death, call me and bid me come unto Thee”
This final plea closes the prayer with an appeal for eternal salvation, echoing Saint Paul’s desire in Philippians 1:23: “My desire is to depart and be with Christ.”
Liturgical Use and Popular Devotion
Since the Middle Ages, the Soul of Christ has been recited after Communion as an act of thanksgiving. Its popularity grew among the Jesuits and spread to various religious orders and lay faithful. Today, it remains one of the most cherished prayers in the Catholic Church, used in spiritual retreats, times of adoration, and personal devotions.
Influence on Christian Art and Culture
The prayer has inspired numerous musical compositions, particularly within Gregorian and polyphonic repertoires. Since the Middle Ages, composers have sought to translate the spiritual depth of the Soul of Christ into melody, making it part of the liturgical and devotional tradition. Its musicality resonates in the hearts of the faithful, lifting the soul to contemplation of divine mysteries.
Beyond music, the prayer has influenced Christian iconography. Many artistic depictions evoke protection and refuge in the wounds of Christ, one of the central images of the prayer. This symbolism harks back to medieval spirituality, in which Christ’s wounds were seen as portals to divine mercy, a place of welcome for those seeking salvation.
Devotion to the redeeming Blood of Christ also finds an echo in the Soul of Christ prayer. The petition to be “inebriated” by the Lord’s Blood reflects the understanding that His Passion is the source of life and redemption. This image recalls biblical passages such as John 6:53-56, where Jesus teaches that His Blood is true drink and the path to eternal life.
In Christian tradition, the Soul of Christ is frequently prayed after Communion as an act of thanksgiving for receiving the Eucharist. This custom reinforces the connection between the prayer and the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice, for in receiving the Body and Blood of the Lord, the faithful are intimately united to Him, as each invocation of the prayer expresses.
Ignatian spirituality also deepens this connection, as Saint Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises encourage meditation on Christ’s Passion. The prayer, by imploring comfort in His Passion and refuge in His wounds, aligns with this practice, helping the faithful to enter this mystery with greater devotion and surrender.
Over the centuries, countless saints and Doctors of the Church have recommended the recitation of this prayer. Its universal appeal stems from the fact that it speaks to the soul’s deepest needs: sanctification, protection, defence against evil, and the longing for eternal life. Thus, it continues to be a pillar in the prayer life of many Christians.
The simplicity of the Soul of Christ conceals its theological depth. Each line is imbued with biblical references and spiritual concepts that have been pondered for centuries. Its poetic structure makes it memorable and easy to recite, contributing to its preservation and dissemination among the faithful through time.
Many spiritual writers highlight that the prayer teaches an incarnational spirituality—that is, a faith expressed through both body and soul. This is evident in the petitions that encompass various aspects of human existence: the soul seeking sanctification, the body seeking refuge, the senses yearning for transformation through the grace of Christ.
The Soul of Christ transcends time and remains a powerful expression of faith. Its theological and spiritual depth makes it an essential prayer for those who wish to deepen their communion with Christ. Its association with Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Spiritual Exercises has cemented its place in Christian spirituality, making it a precious legacy of the Catholic tradition.
Even today, this prayer retains its relevance. In a world where many search for meaning and protection, the words of the Soul of Christ offer a path of hope and surrender. It invites every faithful soul to a personal encounter with Christ, to immerse themselves in His redemptive mystery, and to trust in His infinite mercy.
Bibliographical References
AUGUSTINE, Saint. Confessions. Translation by J. J. Mourão. São Paulo: Paulus, 2018.
HOLY BIBLE. CNBB Translation. Brasília: Edições CNBB, 2020.
BUTLER, Alban. Lives of the Saints. New York: Catholic Book Publishing, 1991.
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. Section on the Eucharist (n. 1322-1419). São Paulo: Loyola, 2000.
HARDON, John. The Treasury of Catholic Wisdom. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1987.
IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, Saint. Spiritual Exercises. São Paulo: Edições Loyola, 2013.
MISSALE ROMANUM. Vatican Edition. Vatican City: Typis Polyglottis Vaticanis, s.d.
THOMAS AQUINAS, Saint. Commentary on the Gospel of John. São Paulo: Edições Loyola, 2010.
THOMAS AQUINAS, Saint. Summa Theologiae. São Paulo: Edições Loyola, 2008.