Knelt before a crucifix, the prayer that looks at the wounds and says what it sees.
A prayer of contrition said kneeling before an image of the crucified Christ.
When: On Fridays, in Lent, and after confession. A plenary indulgence is attached to it on Fridays of Lent under the usual conditions.
Why: It does not argue a person into sorrow. It puts them in front of the Cross and lets the sight do the work.
Behold, O good and gentle Jesus, I kneel before you, and with the greatest fervor of soul I pray and beg you to fix within my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, with true sorrow for my sins and a firm resolve to amend them.
With deep affection and grief of soul I ponder within myself, mentally contemplating your five most precious wounds, having before my eyes the words which David the prophet long ago spoke of you: they have pierced my hands and my feet, they have numbered all my bones. Amen.