The Suscipe is a prayer of self-offering by St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. Found in his 16th-century text, the Spiritual Exercises, it is a radical act of trust, surrendering one's liberty, memory, understanding, and will to God. It asks only for God's love and grace in return.
St. Ignatius of Loyola composed the Suscipe, from the Latin word for "receive", in the 16th century. It serves as a culminating prayer in his famous work, the Spiritual Exercises, specifically within the "Contemplation to Attain the Love of God." This prayer encapsulates the goal of Ignatian spirituality: a complete and loving surrender to God's will, born from a deep gratitude for His gifts. It remains a cornerstone of Jesuit formation and is beloved by the wider Church.
The Suscipe is a profound expression of spiritual freedom. By offering everything back to God—internal faculties like memory and external possessions—the person praying acknowledges God as the source of all good. This act of detachment is not one of loss, but of gain. It empties the soul of self-will to make room for God's will, affirming that His love and grace are the only treasures truly necessary for a holy life, a concept echoed in the Catechism (CCC 2027).
This prayer is especially powerful when making a major life decision, discerning a vocation, or concluding a retreat. It is fitting for the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on July 31st. Many pray it daily as a morning offering, consecrating their entire being and all their actions to God for the day ahead. It serves as a powerful renewal of one's commitment to follow Christ completely.
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