The prayer before a crucifix is a Roman Catholic prayer to Jesus.
It is often said by Roman Catholics after Communion or after Mass.
The faithful receive a partial indulgence if they recite the prayer after Communion before a crucifix.
[1] The original prayer dates to about 1205 and is commonly ascribed to Francis of Assisi while at San Damiano.
The prayer echoes Psalm 22:17-18; it may also have been influenced by the opening prayer of the Eucharistic liturgy.