Okay! So I’m continuing my series on the private prayers the priest prays at Mass. I’m sending this out before I go away for retreat, which means I won’t be able to offer any current events in this one. Let’s get right after it…
Last time we left off, we were at the point in the Mass right after the gifts are presented.
So, once the priest has offered the bread and wine, he bows and says this prayer:
“With humble spirit and contrite heart may we be accepted by you, O Lord and may our sacrifice in your sight this day be pleasing to you, Lord God.”
The priest then finishes his bow and turns to the servers who have the water, bowl and towel and washes his hands as he prays:
“Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
Now, the next time the priest prays quietly, is during the Lamb of God. After he fractures the host, he tears a small piece of it off and drops it into the chalice praying:
“May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.”
Then, the priest genuflects or bows and prays one of these two prayers:
Option 1:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, by the will of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit through your death gave life to the world, free me by this, your most holy Body and Blood, from all my sins and from every evil; keep me always faithful to your commandments and never let me be parted from you.”
Option 2:
“May the receiving of your Body and Blood, Lord Jesus Christ, not bring me to judgment and condemnation, but though your loving mercy be for me protection in mind and body and a healing remedy.”
Later, as the priest receives the Sacred Body, he prays:
“May the Body of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.”
As he receives the Precious Blood, he prays:
“May the Blood of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.”
Finally, as the priest or deacon purifies the sacred vessels after communion, he prays:
“What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what has been given to us in time may be our healing for eternity.”
So! There we go. A little walk through our Mass and the prayers the priest prays silently. I am so touched that so many of you asked for this and I hope you enjoyed it and learned a lot.
fjk
