Anima Christi Prayer is a sacred Christian prayer that gently draws the heart closer to Jesus through His life, suffering, and saving love. For centuries, believers have prayed these words to seek inner peace, spiritual strength, and deeper union with Christ. The prayer speaks in simple language, making it meaningful for both educated readers and those who prefer simple expressions of faith.
This prayer is often said after Holy Communion or during quiet moments of reflection. Each line asks Christ to protect, heal, and remain close to the soul. There is no pressure to pray it perfectly. What matters is a sincere heart and a willing spirit. Whether you are new to prayer or have prayed for many years, these words offer a calm and welcoming path to rest in Christ’s presence.
As you read or pray, take a slow breath and allow each line to settle in your heart. This is a moment of trust, humility, and hope, where the soul speaks honestly to Jesus and rests in His care.
Anima Christi Prayer(Latin Text)
Anima Christi, sanctifica me.
Corpus Christi, salva me.
Sanguis Christi, inebria me.
Aqua lateris Christi, lava me.
Passio Christi, conforta me.
O bone Iesu, exaudi me.
Intra tua vulnera absconde me.
Ne permittas me separari a te.
Ab hoste maligno defende me.
In hora mortis meae voca me.
Et iube me venire ad te,
Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te
In saecula saeculorum. Amen.
The Complete Anima Christi Prayer (English)
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 Your wounds, hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from You.
From the evil one, protect me.
At the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to You,
That with Your saints I may praise You
Forever and ever. Amen.
Explanation of The Anima Christi Prayer
Anima Christi Meaning:
Anima Christi meaning is “Soul of Christ.”
The phrase comes from Latin and opens the well-known Christian prayer Anima Christi. It is a direct address to Jesus, speaking to His soul with reverence and trust.
In Christian belief, the soul of Christ represents His divine life, holiness, and saving presence. When someone says Anima Christi, they are asking Jesus to draw their own soul closer to Him, to make it pure, protected, and filled with grace.
The meaning also carries a personal tone. It is not only about words, but about a relationship. By calling upon the Soul of Christ, the prayer places the believer under His care, sacrifice, and mercy, especially in moments of prayer after Holy Communion or quiet devotion.
In simple terms, Anima Christi means turning to Jesus and saying,
“Let Your life shape my life, and let my soul remain close to You.”
Line-by-Line Explanation of The Anima Christi Prayer:
“Soul of Christ, sanctify me.”
This line asks Jesus to make the soul holy. It is a request for inner cleansing, right intentions, and a life shaped by God’s will rather than selfish desire.
“Body of Christ, save me.”
Here, the prayer points to Christ’s physical sacrifice. It expresses trust that salvation comes through His offering on the Cross and His presence in the Eucharist.
“Blood of Christ, inebriate me.”
This phrase means to be completely filled, not confused or harmed. It asks to be fully immersed in Christ’s life, love, and sacrifice until nothing else has control over the heart.
“Water from the side of Christ, wash me.”
This recalls the moment water flowed from Jesus’ side on the Cross. It symbolizes mercy, forgiveness, and renewal, asking for freedom from sin and spiritual stains.
“Passion of Christ, strengthen me.”
The prayer seeks strength through Christ’s suffering. It asks for courage to endure hardship with patience, faith, and hope rather than fear or despair.
“O good Jesus, hear me.”
This is a humble appeal, spoken with trust. It recognizes Jesus as compassionate and attentive to sincere prayer.
“Within Your wounds, hide me.”
This line expresses a desire for refuge in Christ. His wounds become a place of safety, love, and protection rather than pain alone.
“Permit me not to be separated from You.”
It asks for lifelong closeness to Christ, especially during temptation, doubt, or weakness.
“From the evil one, protect me.”
This is a clear request for spiritual protection against forces that pull the soul away from God.
“At the hour of my death, call me.”
The prayer looks toward life’s final moment, asking Jesus to remain present and welcoming rather than distant.
“And bid me come to You,”
It expresses hope for eternal union with Christ after death.
“That with Your saints I may praise You forever and ever.”
The prayer ends with a vision of eternal worship, joy, and peace in God’s presence.
Why Anima Christi Prayer Is Trusted and Revered
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Rooted in centuries of Christian devotion
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Often prayed after Holy Communion
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Focused on humility, surrender, and protection
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Simple language with deep spiritual meaning
How Christian Traditionally Pray This Devotion
This prayer is most often prayed:
After receiving Holy Communion, as a moment of thanksgiving
During Eucharistic Adoration, in silence and reverence
In personal daily prayer, especially during times of suffering
Before sleep, as an act of trust in Christ’s protection
The prayer draws the heart toward Christ truly present in the Eucharist and invites the believer to rest fully in His sacrifice and mercy.
Spiritual Focus of This Christian Devotion
Union with Christ
Every line seeks closeness to Jesus, especially through His Body, Blood, and saving wounds.
Trust in Christ’s Passion
The prayer does not avoid suffering but places it within the redemptive suffering of Christ.
Hope for Eternal Life
The final lines look beyond earthly life toward eternal communion with God and the saints.
Read Also: Prayers for Healing
A Gentle Way to Pray It Devotionally
Pray slowly.
Pause briefly after each line.
Offer your worries, sins, and hopes quietly to Christ.
Remain in silence for a moment after the final “Amen.”
This prayer is not meant to be rushed. It is an act of surrender.
About the Author
Written by: Ravi Kumar, Faith Content Writer with 5+ years of experience creating prayer guides, devotional content, and spiritual reflections that inspire and uplift readers.
Final Thoughts: Anima Christi Prayer
The Anima Christi Prayer reminds us that true strength comes from staying close to Christ in every season of life. Its words encourage surrender, patience, and confidence in God’s grace, even during suffering or uncertainty. When prayed regularly, it becomes a quiet companion that brings comfort and steadiness to the soul.
You may return to this prayer in times of joy, pain, fear, or gratitude. There is no wrong moment to pray it. Let these words remain with you throughout the day, shaping your thoughts and actions with humility and love. May this prayer continue to draw your heart nearer to Christ and help you rest securely in His mercy.
? FAQs About Anima Christi Prayer
What does Anima Christi mean?
Anima Christi means “Soul of Christ.” It is a prayerful address to Jesus, asking for holiness, protection, strength, and closeness to Him.
Is the Anima Christi Prayer only for Catholics?
No. While it comes from Catholic tradition, the prayer focuses on Jesus Christ and is prayed by many Christians from different backgrounds as a personal devotion.
When is the Anima Christi Prayer usually prayed?
It is often prayed after Holy Communion, during quiet reflection, or in personal prayer, especially in times of suffering or spiritual need.
Why does the prayer mention the Body and Blood of Christ?
These lines reflect Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross and express trust in His saving work, which is central to Christian belief.
What does “Blood of Christ, inebriate me” mean?
It means to be completely filled with Christ’s life and grace, not harmed or confused. The line expresses total surrender to Jesus.
Can the Anima Christi Prayer be prayed daily?
Yes. Many people pray it daily as a way to remain close to Christ and seek strength, protection, and peace.
Is the Anima Christi Prayer found in the Bible?
The prayer itself is not a Bible verse, but its themes come directly from Scripture, especially Christ’s Passion, mercy, and promise of eternal life.
