Prayer Before Mass
Updated: 3 hours ago
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for four great purposes, often called the four ends of the Mass: adoration of God, thanksgiving for His benefits, satisfaction for sin, and petition for our needs. This short prayer before Mass names each of them and asks for the grace to take part with attention, reverence, and devotion, for the salvation of the living and the dead.
Pray it in the pew before Mass begins, after a moment of silence, or on the way to church. Arriving a few minutes early and praying it quietly helps set aside distractions and prepares the heart to receive Christ. You can add your own intentions, especially for people who have asked for your prayers, and offer the Mass for them.
The Prayer
O my God, I offer Thee this Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for Thy greater honor and glory, in thanksgiving for all Thy benefits, in satisfaction for my sins, and for the salvation of the living and the dead. Grant that I may assist at it with attention, reverence, and devotion. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Traditional prayer before Mass; classic manuals, public domain.
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