Suscipe Prayer

The Suscipe Prayer is a short but powerful prayer written by St. Ignatius of Loyola. It is found in his Spiritual Exercises, which have helped many people grow closer to God. The word “Suscipe” is Latin and means “receive.” This prayer is all about giving everything to God and trusting Him fully.

In the prayer, we tell God that we give Him our liberty, memory, understanding, and will. These are the deepest parts of who we are. We also offer up everything we own and all that we think belongs to us. We recognize that everything we have is a gift from God, and we give it back freely.

The second part of the prayer shows our desire to live for God alone. It says that His love and grace are enough. We don’t ask for anything else. We place our trust in God’s love. That is what gives us strength and peace.

This prayer is simple, but it can change how we think about our lives. It reminds us to hold nothing back from God. It teaches us to live with open hands. In a world that often says “hold on” and “take more,” this prayer invites us to let go and trust God fully.

The Suscipe Prayer was written by St. Ignatius of Loyola. He lived in the 1500s and founded the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. He wrote this prayer as part of a longer spiritual guide called the Spiritual Exercises. These exercises help people reflect, pray, and grow closer to God. The Suscipe appears near the end, when the person has learned to let go of personal desires and listen to God’s will.

The word “Suscipe” is Latin. It means “receive” or “take.” That’s how the prayer begins. We ask God to receive our freedom, our memory, our understanding, and our will. These are the parts of us that shape our choices. In the prayer, we give them all back to God.

The prayer also reminds us that everything we have comes from God. Nothing truly belongs to us. God gave us all things, and we return them to Him. The only thing we ask in return is His love and grace. That is enough to carry us through life.

The format is simple. It is short and easy to memorize. But it invites deep trust. It is not just a list of words. It is a way of offering our whole self to God, every day. Many people still pray it today as part of their daily devotion.

The Suscipe Prayer connects closely with many themes in the Bible. It reminds us of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He said, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Like Jesus, we are called to trust the Father and let go of our own plans. The prayer also fits with the Gospel message of discipleship. Jesus told His followers to leave everything behind and follow Him.

This prayer also matches what we teach in Catholic catechesis. It helps young people understand what it means to offer themselves to God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “In the New Covenant, prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father” (CCC 2565). The Suscipe Prayer reflects that relationship. It is not focused on asking for things. Instead, it expresses trust and surrender. It teaches that everything we are and have belongs to God, and we can freely give it back to Him.

In youth ministry, the Suscipe Prayer helps teens think about who they are and what matters most. It teaches that our talents, time, and goals all belong to God. Many young people worry about the future. This prayer can calm that fear. It reminds them that they are in God’s hands.

You can also use this prayer during retreats or before big decisions. It works well in quiet reflection or small group sharing. It opens the door for honest talks about trust, surrender, and what it means to say “yes” to God.

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.

More Catholic Prayers

Looking for more ways to pray? Visit our Catholic Prayers page. You will find simple prayers for daily life, special times, and quiet moments with God. These prayers can help you stay close to Him no matter what your day looks like.

The Suscipe Prayer is just one of the many prayers shared there. You’ll also find prayers for morning, evening, meals, and more. It’s a helpful place to find words when you don’t know what to say. Take a look and find a prayer that speaks to you today.

What does the word “Suscipe” mean?

“Suscipe” is a Latin word that means “receive” or “take.” The Suscipe Prayer begins by asking God to receive everything we are and everything we have.

Who wrote the Suscipe Prayer?

St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote the Suscipe Prayer. He included it in his Spiritual Exercises, which help people grow in prayer and faith.

What is the main message of the Suscipe Prayer?

The Suscipe Prayer is about giving everything to God. We offer our freedom, memory, mind, and will. We give Him all we own. In return, we ask only for His love and grace.

When should I pray the Suscipe Prayer?

You can pray the Suscipe Prayer anytime. Some people use it during morning prayer. Others say it during retreats or before making a big decision. It helps remind us to trust God each day.

Is the Suscipe Prayer just for adults?

No, the Suscipe Prayer is good for everyone, including teens and young adults. It works well in youth ministry and faith formation. It helps young people think about their lives and how to follow God.

How can I help children or teens understand the Suscipe Prayer?

Use simple words to explain each part. Talk about what it means to give your plans, ideas, and choices to God. Ask questions like “What would it mean to trust God with your future?” Then pray it slowly together.

The Suscipe Prayer was written by St. Ignatius of Loyola. It is found in his Spiritual Exercises. The word “Suscipe” means “receive.” In this prayer, we ask God to take all we have—our freedom, our memory, our understanding, and our will. We also give Him everything we own.

This prayer teaches us to trust God completely. We let go of our control and offer our whole selves to Him. In return, we ask only for His love and grace. That is all we need to live a good and faithful life.

The Suscipe Prayer fits well with Bible stories and Catholic teaching. It reminds us of Jesus saying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” It is a prayer of surrender and trust. It helps us live for God, not for ourselves.

This prayer is a great tool in youth ministry. It encourages young people to reflect on their lives and what really matters. It helps them listen to God and follow His call.

Have you prayed the Suscipe before? Take a few quiet minutes to read it slowly. Think about what it means to give your whole self to God. Ask Him to guide you and fill your life with His grace.

We’d love to hear how this prayer speaks to you. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section. Your words might help someone else grow in faith too.