Prayer Before Mass

O merciful Father, who didst so love the world as to give up for our redemption, Thy beloved Son; who in obedience to Thee, and for us sinners, humbled Himself even unto the death of the cross; and continues to offer Himself daily by the ministry of His Priests, for the living and the dead: we humbly beseech Thee that penetrated with a lively faith, we may always assist, with the utmost devotion and reverence, at the oblation of His most precious body and blood, which is made at Mass; and thereby be made partakers of the sacrifice which He offered for us on Calvary.

In union with Thy Holy Church and its Minister, and invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and all the Angels and Saints, we now offer the adorable sacrifice of the Mass to Thy honor and glory, to acknowledge Thy infinite perfections, Thy supreme dominion over all Thy creatures, our entire subjection to Thee, and total dependence on Thy gracious providence; and in thanksgiving for all Thy benefits; and for the remission of our sins.

We offer it for the propagation of the Catholic faith; for our most holy Father the Pope; for our Archbishop (or Bishop) and for all the Pastors and Clergy of Thy Holy Church, that they may direct the faithful in the way of salvation; for the President, and for all that are in high stations, that we may lead quiet and holy lives; for peace and goodwill among all states and people; for the necessities of mankind; and particularly for the congregation here present; to obtain all blessings we stand in need of, in this life, everlasting happiness in the next, and eternal rest to the faithful departed.

And as Jesus Christ so ordained, when He instituted at His last supper this wonderful mystery of His power, wisdom, and goodness, we offer the Mass, in grateful remembrance of all He has done and suffered for the love of us; making special commemoration of His bitter Passion and Death, and of His glorious Resurrection, and Ascension into Heaven. Vouchsafe, O Almighty and Eternal God (for to Thee alone so great a sacrifice is due), graciously to accept it, for these and all other purposes agreeable to Thy holy will. And to render it the more pleasing, we offer it to Thee through the same Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, our Lord and Saviour, our high priest and Victim, and in the name of the most Holy Trinity, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost; to whom be honor, praise, and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.