Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Any local church, regardless of denominational affiliation, may reprint any or all of these prayers provided that the following copyright notice appears: “Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.”
January 13, 2019 – Baptism of the Lord & First Sunday after the Epiphany
Sovereign God, we remember that becoming part of a Christian community was not a meaningless dedication but a call to be devoted openly to you. The sacrament of baptism is a reminder of all that we have received and all that we are asked to give. Like the heavenly voice you shared with your beloved son, we listen anew for your guidance and direction. Multiply these financial gifts so others may be baptized in your Precious Name. Amen. Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
January 20, 2019 – Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Holy Spirit, you have honored each of us with unique spiritual gifts. We acknowledge that these gifts are to be used for your glory alone. Help us to offer our talents so that others may be encouraged to share abundantly. We are honored and humbled by the responsibility of using these gifts as stewards of your Kingdom. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. I Corinthians 12:1-11
January 27, 2019 – Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Glorious God, the beauty in your creation is awesome. We are often speechless by the majesty of your mountains, oceans, forests and rivers. Yet, you enthrall us with something even as small as a fragile snowflake or a grain of sand. Your genius and power is manifest in the natural world. We share these gifts as stewards of your resplendent creation. We affirm our responsibility to use natural resources in God-honoring ways. Amen. Psalm 19
February 3, 2019 – Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Nurturing God, You remind us that faith without love is meaningless. We present these gifts with love. We rejoice in our ability to share. May this moment of giving warm our hearts and stir our souls so that we remember to act consistently out of love in the name of Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen. I Corinthians 13:1-13
February 10, 2019 – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Exalted Lord, we offer these sacrificial gifts from thankful hands and from rejoicing lips. When we are surrounded by trouble, you cradle us in your constant love. You shine your glory into our weakened hearts. Through these gifts, help our hurting and needy neighbors so they feel secure in your abiding grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Psalm 138
February 17, 2019 – Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Loving God, we are so thankful that you, through your son, Jesus Christ, have come and stood on a level place with us. We need you to abide with us in our ordinary, everyday lives. We, your gathered crowd of disciples, participate in this act of worship by offering you a portion of the money that we have earned from the work of our ordinary, everyday lives. We dedicate these gifts to your service. We pray in the name of the one who heals, Jesus Christ. Amen. Luke 6:17-26
February 24, 2019 – Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Holy One, we give because You beckon us to give. We give because You call us to be merciful. We give because you command us to love our enemies. We give because we seek be Your followers who do good and expect nothing in return. May the offering that we place upon the altar humble us so that we do not judge or condemn but offer a posture of forgiveness and love. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Luke 6:27-38
March 3, 2019 – Transfiguration Sunday
Gracious God, like Moses, we often seem veiled in our daily lives when given an opportunity to share your splendor. Our minds become focused on the temporal and the materialistic. We ashamedly view the world as our kingdom and not your kingdom. Lift the veils on our souls so our thoughts and deeds are transformed from any selfish desire to your calling and vision. We offer ourselves to you here and now. Amen. II Corinthians 3:12-4:2
March 6, 2019 – Ash Wednesday
Sovereign Lord, you call us to give generously as a way of expressing our love to you. On this Ash Wednesday, we strive to strengthen our spiritual commitment. One of those spiritual commitments is our act of giving. Use this offertory moment to help us reflect on this spiritual commitment. In so doing, may we discover opportunities to grow as your followers during this season of Lent. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
March 10, 2019 – First Sunday in Lent
God of Deliverance, you led your chosen people long ago out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land. Your people rejoiced and worshipped you with the first fruits of their labors. Their contributions were a symbol of devotion to your mighty presence in their lives and in the lives of following generations. Guide our gifts so that they may be multiplied to help those still languishing in the wilderness of uncertainty. Help our giving to inspire others as they journey toward the promise of Eternal Life. Through your holy son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Deuteronomy 26:1-11
March 17, 2019 – Second Sunday in Lent
God of Salvation, you challenge us to remain connected wholeheartedly to your Word, rather than to spend time on petty worries and fears. You and you alone, lead us on a level path. Now, we ardently listen for your call in our lives. We praise you for reaching out to us. In this moment of offering a portion of our income to you, we reach out to you. We reach out seeking your grace. You are the stronghold of our lives! Praise to you now and forevermore. Amen. Psalm 27
March 24, 2019 – Third Sunday in Lent
Holy God, we offer these gifts in gratitude for the blessings you bestow upon us. Despite our unfruitful ways, we have endless opportunities to reflect your glory in our lives. We turn our hearts and minds to the commitment that you have made to us through your son Jesus Christ. May these gifts become symbolic of our desire to renew our covenant relationship with you, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. Luke 13:1-9
March 31, 2019 – Fourth Sunday in Lent
Patient God, we cherish the scripture story of the prodigal son. You are always willing to accept us, even in our bleakest moment. You surround us with the hushed silence of your love. Like a compassionate parent, you wait to receive us in your embrace while we struggle to place you first in our lives. Multiply these tithes and offerings so that they open the ears of your lost children to your message of unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
April 7, 2019 – Fifth Sunday in Lent
Good and Gracious God, when Jesus was anointed at Bethany, he reminded us all that our earthly time would be short in proportion to our heavenly time with you. We recognize that we only have so much time to love, to laugh, to give, and to care in this world. In this time of giving, we present these generous gifts to be anointed by your hand to glorify the promise of everlasting life. Through your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. John 12:1-8
April 14, 2019 – Palm Sunday
Loving Lord, today we remember Jesus’ triumphant ride from the Mount of Olives. Jesus obediently gave everything so that we could live a life worthy of your calling. Grant us the courage and the determination to be your obedient disciples. Instill within us the desire to proclaim, “Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.” Increase our generosity so that these monetary gifts may be transformed into inspired ministries. In the name of the Sacrificial Lamb, your only son, we pray. Amen. Luke 19:28-40
April 18, 2019 – Maundy Thursday
Lord God, we are reminded through the Scriptures that you have provided us with examples of proper living. Jesus often taught that his disciples were to follow his example, to do so in memory of him. Now we place this offering before you, mindful of our responsibility to be thankful for the gift of your Son and to serve as a loving example for others. Bless these gifts. We pray in your Holy Name. Amen. John 13:1-17, 31b-35
April 21, 2019 – Easter Sunday
God of all Ages, you have emptied the tomb and set us free from our burdens. Hope has overshadowed fear. Comfort has replaced neglect. Faith has gained victory over doubt. The bounds of everyday living, often overwhelming our souls and weakening our spirits, are liberated by Jesus Christ. Today, we recommit to offering comfort, hope, and faith as your generous disciples to others who are driven by fear, neglect, and doubt. We offer these gifts in honor of your Easter promise. Alleluia and Amen. John 20:1-18
April 28, 2019 – Second Sunday of Easter
Holy Spirit, we are like young children as we hear again that Jesus Christ is risen. We believe the Easter Story without question. Your power is so great and so loving. Our hearts are filled with peace; our minds are expanded with understanding. Help us to share your power so that this offering is multiplied and brings relief to those needing to know you, the great I AM. Amen. John 20:19-31
May 5, 2019 – Third Sunday of Easter
Holy One, you transformed the life of Saul. He was converted to your work as a disciple. We, too, have been transformed by your love. You earnestly listen for our daily response to your steadfast presence. Open our hearts so that we may walk consciously with you each day. We lift up this offering in obedience to your will. In the name of the Risen Christ, we pray. Amen. Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)
May 12, 2019 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Good Shepherd, you keep us safe in your Word through day and night. You strip away any enemy if we focus on your righteousness. You never lead us astray. You are the Alpha and the Omega. Your goodness and mercy overflow in our lives. May these gifts with which you have blessed us support ministries that bring others into your heavenly fold. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Psalm 23
May 19, 2019 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Loving God, as your Holy Word reveals, your gift of grace is offered to all of your children. You wait expectantly to hear our response. In this hushed moment, we respond by offering financial gifts. We respond by praising your name in prayer. We respond by singing, “Glory be to God!” Amen. Acts 11:1-18
May 26, 2019 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Gracious God, you are a loving parent imparting wisdom to those who love and follow you. As Jesus demonstrated to his disciples, you offer the immeasurable peace of an eternal home. We praise your name in the comfort of this peace and place these tithes and offerings before you. Multiply these gifts so that those seeking to establish peace in this world will feel your guiding hand. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen. John 14:23-29
June 2, 2019 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Lord Almighty, you are the supreme ruler of the Earth! You can make nations bow down to your will. You shine your luminescent light on the righteous and spread gladness of heart to those who are good. You have the omnipotent power to move majestic mountains and to calm the stormy seas. You rescue us from wickedness when we praise and worship your works. We acknowledge the strength of your spirit in our lives by giving these tithes and offerings. May you enrich these gifts with your blessing. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Psalm 97
June 9, 2019 – Day of Pentecost
God of Amazement and Wonder, you have been preparing the way for us throughout time. You sent people like the prophet Joel and Peter to guide our spiritual journey. On this day of Pentecost, we celebrate the power of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes confused but often in awe, we watch the everyday miracles experienced all around us. All things are possible with you, O God. We trust that this offering will foster the miracles and the possibilities that you have in store for this church community. We await with hearts already filled in amazement and wonder at your ways. Come Holy Spirit, come! Amen. Acts 2:1-21
June 16, 2019 – First Sunday after Pentecost
God of Hope, we humbly present these gifts in recognition of the grace that you offer us each and every day. You have endowed us with great bounty. Today, we give a portion of this bounty to you as a generous expression of our gratitude. We are compelled though biblical teaching to share generously in ways that impact the greater mission of the church. We exalt your Holy Name as we participate in this sacrificial act of offering ourselves to you. We pray through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Romans 5:1-5
June 23, 2019 – Second Sunday after Pentecost
Healing Father, use these gifts to mend the hearts of those who have been possessed by earthly demons. You have the ability to mend our insecurities – our greed, our self-indulgence, our prejudice, and our fear. You alone can nurture our souls. May these worshipful moments renew our desire to follow you and to reject the forces of evil. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who restores and reconciles all who believe in him, we pray. Amen. Luke 8:26-39
June 30, 2019 – Third Sunday after Pentecost
Everlasting God, you never ask us to wait when we cry out in despair. You are ever-present. You provide counsel in our bleakest moments. You share joy in our celebratory times. We confess that sometimes we are reluctant in our relationship with you. We do not desire to be the “would-be” followers of Jesus, like Luke describes. Help us to be committed totally to you in the days ahead. We rededicate ourselves to you and share a portion of our financial earnings with you. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. Luke 9:51-62
July 7, 2019 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Gracious God, you provide us with opportunities every day to extol the dedication of this congregation, our faith family. Through our giving, we are able to support the vital ministries of this faith family. Bless these gifts and encourage us be in service in your holy name. Amen. Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
July 14, 2019 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Great God in Heaven, you remind us to focus our ability on first loving you. Then, you urge us to reflect that love toward our neighbor. We desire to be the modern day “Good Samaritan.” Create anew in our hearts a burning desire to care for your children. Encourage us to follow the caring ways that Jesus taught. Multiply these tithes and offerings so acts of tolerance and hospitality are extended through our ministry to all of your children. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Luke 10:25-37
July 21, 2019 – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Living God, we invite you into our minds and hearts in this hushed moment of praise and thanksgiving. We listen for your invitation to forget our daily stress and to unwind in your embrace. You enfold us in your peace extending beyond needless worries and everyday troubles. We worship you with these gifts and with spirits renewed by your grace. We pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose message transcends time. Amen. Luke 10:38-42
July 28, 2019 – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Our Father who art in Heaven, you nourish our famished souls by listening to our humble prayers. We come asking, seeking, and knocking with the full knowledge that you are ready to respond to our supplications. You deliver us from evil by nourishing our hearts with forgiveness and our minds with understanding. You prepare a heavenly table for all who believe in the mighty acts of your Holy Son. Bless these gifts so that your children will feast at the banquet which awaits in your eternal home. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Luke 11:1-13
August 4, 2019 – Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Gracious God, we have become anesthetized to the amount of greed surrounding our everyday lives. Our identities often seem defined by our possessions and lifestyle. Yet, we are stripped bare of our worldly possessions and seen equally in your holy sight. Release those temporal bonds preventing us from living and giving in ways that honor your name. We prayerfully dedicate these gifts to the work of your eternal home, a place of faith where our souls will truly rest. Amen. Luke 12:13-21
August 11, 2019 – Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Faithful Father, you ask us to place you first in all that we do. You call us to surrender completely to your will and to be obedient to your word. However, letting go is such a great barrier to overcome. We fool ourselves into the premise of being in control. Lift this barrier! Increase our hearts desire to freely provide for others in our giving and our serving. In the name of your servant son, Jesus, the Christ, we bless these offerings to your glory. Amen. Luke 12:32-40
August 18, 2019 – Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
God of All, we are so thankful for this opportunity to give. Our joy is tempered by the knowledge that so many of your children suffer in war-ravaged countries and impoverished cities. Multiply these gifts so that those oppressed by injustice may experience your care. Awaken us so that our need to act faithfully against all injustice is reflected in how we speak and how we serve. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. Psalm 82
August 25, 2019 – Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Holy One, we commit these offerings and tithes with prayerful minds and quiet hearts. As we give, we also receive. Like Jeremiah, we know that in the silence of prayer you will enable us to listen to your commands. We are never too young or too old to seek your presence. This time of prayer wraps us in the comfort of your protection and care. Bless us as we seek to bless others in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Jeremiah 1:4-10
September 1, 2019 – Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Generous God, we humbly offer these gifts in response to your Living Word. You remind us that extending radical hospitality has all to do with your love and nothing to do with our social status. If we loved those outcast in our society like we have been loved by you, our world would be a place of true acceptance and abounding joy. May it be so today! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Luke 14:1, 7-14
September 8, 2019 – Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
O Lord, our Rock and Redeemer, the cost of discipleship seems just and reasonable as we bow our heads in prayer. Yet, when we think about the economic pressures in our lives – the mortgage, car payments, school supplies, health care, college tuition, and credit card debt – giving money is a challenge. Strengthen the connection between your call to discipleship and our giving habits. We strive to grow in generosity so that our giving is a reflection of our desire to be in a covenant relationship with you. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. Luke 14:25-33
September 15, 2019 – Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Redeeming God, we know what it is like to be wandering in the wilderness like lost sheep. We remember your hand, like those of a caring shepherd, guiding us back to our home in you. We seek to help others experience this same spiritual nurture. So, we provide these financial gifts to be multiplied with other offerings. We are confident that these funds will inspire new ministries and reach the lost. We offer these gifts in name of the Lamb of God, Jesus the Living Christ. Amen. Luke 15:1-10
September 22, 2019 – Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Faithful One, you have entrusted us with so many gifts that are more important than worldly possessions. You have called us to be stewards of all that you have created. We strive to fulfill your call to be generous stewards by openly sharing the bounty you have placed under our care. We know that we visibly demonstrate our commitment to your work in this world by giving these tithes and offerings. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Luke 16:1-13
September 29, 2019 – Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Patient God, our ears listen attentively, yet our understanding is lacking. Our eyes look wide open, yet human suffering is squarely in front of us. Our hands stretch outward, yet remain listless. Our voice encourages others, yet remains silent to those in despair. Every day, we are faced with opportunities to respond. Forgive us. Awaken us. Encourage us. Call us again to respond by offering your salvation and your abundant life to others every day. We humbly place these gifts before you. Amen. Luke 16:19-31
October 6, 2019 –Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy One, you guide our lives with truth and love. You invite us to accept you with joy. Yet, challenges to live as your disciples come with this acceptance. Servant leadership can seem tedious. We struggle to balance our desire to serve ourselves first and your call to serve others first. We prayerfully present these tithes and offerings. May they symbolize our renewed commitment to holding you as the guiding leader of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Luke 17:5-10
October 13, 2019 – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
God of Healing, we thankfully acknowledge your infinite ability to reach out to those in need. You intimately know our personal storms and private challenges. You sent your Holy Son to restore and to mend our broken faith. We entrust these gifts to your care so that your reconciling love may be a beacon of hope for those in despair. In your Holy Name, we pray. Amen. Luke 17:11-19
October 20, 2019 – Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Gracious God, as described in the Book of Jeremiah, you pour out your new covenant for your people. We rejoice in unison by sharing the messages you have written on our hearts. Salvation in Jesus Christ is the prosperity we need to proclaim to those searching for your mercy and love. Multiply these gifts so that ministries are provided with your people today who seek to be in a faithful relationship with you. Amen. Jeremiah 31:27-34
October 27, 2019 – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Caring God, we humble ourselves today by returning the bounty you first shared with us back to your care. Without pretension or self-righteousness, we resolve to be slow to judge and ready to provide aid. We strive to increase our commitment to being thoughtful, generous people. Help us to be unassuming in our service but bold in our witness. We pray in the name of the one who served you here on Earth, Jesus the Living Christ. Amen. Luke 18:9-14
November 3, 2019 – Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Precious Lord, you remind us through Scripture that we, like Zacchaeus, are descendants of Abraham. We, too, are sinners in need of the redemptive love provided by Jesus. Yet, we take comfort as we are embraced in your arms and feel the warmth of your love radiating through this place of worship. We prayerfully ask that these gifts benefit your children who need to be blanketed in the safety and security of your tender care. In love and gratitude, we pray. Amen. Luke 19:1-10
November 10, 2019 – Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
God of all generations, pour out your goodness on this bounty so it multiplies according to your will. We rejoice in the teaching of Psalms as we strive to be more hopeful, merciful, and generous in our lives. We are committed to sharing your mighty acts with those in despair. We offer these gifts in thanksgiving and praise. May our ministry satisfy the thirsty across our community and world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Psalms 145: 1-5, 17-21
November 17, 2019 – Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
Exalted Lord, how can we sufficiently prepare our hearts to stay firm in your love? We praise your name with songs and prayers, yet are we truly ready to stand on your promises and risk persecution for being a fully committed Christian? Are we devout to your will by the way we live and give? Our offertory response is one means of answering those questions. Thank you for this opportunity to dedicate these gifts as we become bold in our faith and slow in our judgment. Let your stream of living water flow from our lips as we share your Good News. Amen. Luke 21:5-19
November 24, 2019 – Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Gracious God, you provide hope for our future. We join together in unison prayer knowing that you act as a loving parent who calms our worries and fears. You consistently give us truth unclouded by the good that you work in our hearts. Multiply these tithes and offerings so our hearts and our actions reflect your love. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. Jeremiah 23:1-6
December 1, 2019 – First Sunday of Advent
God of the Advent, as we joyfully enter this time of waiting, we feel nestled and safe in your everlasting peace. You have taught us the paths and choices that lead to being in your Temple. We wait hushed in anticipation of the coming of your son. He serves as the guide of our lives and the shepherd of our souls. We hope to emulate his generosity and compassion as we share these gifts. Use these gifts so others can be blanketed with the warmth of your unconditional love, like a newborn baby wrapped in the loving arms of a parent. Amen. Isaiah 2:1-5
December 8, 2019 – Second Sunday of Advent
Lord of our life, the path to you is straight, yet we waiver in our behavior like the Pharisees and Sadducees. Our hopes and dreams often are self-serving and materialistic. We rush through this season buying gifts that we hope will convey just the right message. However, you invite us to ask ourselves if we are equally as busy preparing messages that proclaim the Good News to a hurting world. Through giving, remind us again, O God, of the baptismal covenant. This Advent, may we proclaim a message that is exemplified by our generosity, our kindness, and our prayers. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Matthew 3:1-12
December 15, 2019 – Third Sunday of Advent
Redeeming God, you sent us your messenger, John the Baptist, to prepare our hearts and souls for the coming of Christ. Multiply these gifts to echo his message of your greatness and glory. Open our ears to the needs of your people shrouded in depression and despair. Use our voices to tell your stories and to lead others into the community of Christian fellowship. Let our actions of faithful giving be a beacon of our complete devotion to your guidance in our lives. We pray to your glory forever and ever. Amen. Matthew 11:2-11
December 22, 2019 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
Father, teach us how to listen for your call in our lives. Teach us how to be faithful stewards with the gifts you have entrusted to us. Teach us how to use this offering as a source of your ministry and mission. Teach us how to bow down on our knees and to spend time beholding the miracles all around us. In the name of the greatest teacher, Emmanuel, we pray. Amen. Matthew 1:18-25
December 24, 2019 – Christmas Eve
Glory to God in the highest heaven! We praise your name with our offerings and tithes. We give these gifts in recognition of Jesus, a tiny babe who from humble birth was created great in your light. Thank you, Gracious God, for pure, unbounded love wrapped in clothes laying in a manger – a gift so great to share that it could not be contained. Let the joy we feel in our hearts overflow in unending praise. Amen. Luke 2:1-14
December 29, 2019 – First Sunday after Christmas
Compassionate God, your mercy and unfailing love are as constant as the rising sun. You offer us salvation and swaddle us in your Holy Word. You sent us the example of living and giving by sharing your son, Jesus Christ, and by asking us to follow his ways. We are now ready to follow those ways. We place upon your table the fruits of our labors as an outward sign of our commitment to your bounteous grace. We pray in the name of the one born in a stable, Emmanuel, God with us. Amen. Matthew 2:13-23
Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Any local church, regardless of denominational affiliation, may reprint any or all of these prayers provided that the following copyright notice appears: “Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org.”
www.davidsbell.org
Devotional Prayers Said During Mass:
Prayers Before Mass
Receive, O holy Trinity, one God, the holy sacrifice of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which I, thy unworthy servant, desire now to offer unto thy divine majesty by the hands of this thy minister, with all the sacrifices which have ever been or are to be offered unto thee, in union with that most holy sacrifice offered by our Lord himself at the last supper, and on the altar of the cross. I offer unto thee with the utmost affection of devotion, out of pure love for Thine infinite goodness, and according to the intention of holy mother Church:
1. To the great and eternal glory and love of thy divine Majesty.
2. In acknowledgment of thy sovereign excellence and supreme dominion over us, and our subjection to thee, and dependence upon thee.
3. In perpetual commemoration of the passion and death of the same Christ our Lord.
4. For the honor and greater glory of the Blessed Virgin, and all the saints triumphant.
5. In eternal thanksgiving for all thy benefits conferred upon the most sacred humanity of our Lord, upon the Blessed Virgin his Mother, upon the saints my patrons; and for all the benefits hitherto or yet to be conferred upon all the blessed and predestinated, and upon me, the most unworthy of all.
6. In satisfaction for my sins, and for the sins of all the faithful, living or dead.
7. In particular, I offer it for the attainment of these (N.N.) graces or blessings, for these (N.N.) persons particularly recommended to me, and for all for whom I am accustomed or bound to pray; that thou wouldst grant to the departed rest, and to the living grace to know, and love, and glorify thee perfectly now in this life, and hereafter blissfully in heaven. Accept and perfect this my desire, and vouchsafe thy abundant grace and blessing for its accomplishment.
After The Confiteor
O Blessed Trinity, one God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, prostrate in spirit before thee I here confess in the sight of the whole court of heaven, and of all the faithful, my innumerable treasons against thy divine majesty. I have sinned: I have grievously offended through the whole course of my life, in thought word and deed; and therefore am unworthy to lift my eyes to heaven, or so much as to name thy sacred name: how much more I unworthy to appear here in thy sanctuary, and to assist among thy angels at these heavenly mysteries, which require so much purity, because Jesus Christ himself is here in person, both Priest and Victim! But, O my God, thy mercies are above all thy works, and thou wilt not despise a contrite and humble heart; and therefore I here venture to come into thy temple, and with the poor publican, strike my breast and say, God be merciful to me a sinner. Amen.
When The Priest Goes To The Alter
Let us adore the Heart of Jesus, which has loved us so much; let us prostrate ourselves before him, and bewail the sins of which we have been guilty. Grant us, O Lord, a contrite and humble heart; let the homage of our adorations be as acceptable to thee as if we offered thee thousands of victims.
At The Introit
The Lord hath opened the gate s of heaven; he hath rained down manna to feed us; he hath given us the bread of angels. Thy goodness, O my God, hath prepared it for the poor and humble heart; blessed art thou, O God of Israel, thou only canst work such wonders for me. I will offer to thee, in the presence of all thy people, the homage of my love and gratitude.
At The Kyrie
O Father of infinite mercy have pity on thy children; O Jesus, sacrificed for us, apply to us the merits of thy precious blood; O holy Ghost, the Sanctifier, descend into our hearts, and inflame them with thy love.
Or
Have mercy on me, O Lord, and forgive me all my sins; and though I have nothing of my own to move thy goodness, yet let my importunity prevail: have mercy, O Lord, have mercy on me.
At The Gloria In Excelsis
What happiness for us that the Son of the Most High should have been pleased to dwell amongst us, and have vouchsafed to offer us a dwelling in his Divine Heart! Suffer us, O lord to mingle our voices with those of the angelic choir, to thank thee for so great a favor; and let us say with them, “Glory to God in the highest heavens.” O Almighty Father, we praise thee, we bless thee, we adore thee; we give thee thanks for all the benefits which thou hast lavished upon us without ceasing. O Jesus, Lamb without spot , who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, who reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost in glory, and meritest all our homage on earth.
At The Collects
LORD, vouchsafe favorably to hear the prayers which thy priest offers to thee for the Church and for me. I earnestly beseech thee to grant me those graces and virtues of which I have need, in order to deserve thy love. Fill my heart with eternal gratitude for all the blessings which thou hast conferred upon me, with a lively horror of sin, and with perfect charity towards my neighbor. Make my whole life worthy of one who is thy child. I deserve not to be heard for my own sake, O my God, but I beseech thy mercy through the infinite merits of thy divine Son Jesus, inexhaustible Fountain of good things, open to us, we beseech thee, the interior of thy Heart; that having entered, by pious meditation, into this august sanctuary of divine love, we may fix for ever our hearts there, as the place wherein are found the treasure, the rejoice, and the happiness of holy souls.
At The Epistle
THOU hast vouchsafed, O Lord, to teach us thy sacred truths by the prophets and apostles: oh, grant that we may so improve by their doctrine and examples in the love of thy holy name and of thy holy law, that we may show forth by our lives whose disciples we are; that we may no longer follow the corrupt inclinations of flesh and blood, but master all our passions; that we may be ever directed by thy light and strengthened by thy grace, to walk in the way of thy commandments, and to serve thee with clean hearts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
At The Gospel
O GOD, the Father of light, blessed for ever be thy mercy, whereby thou hast called the nations of the earth from the darkness of ignorance and the shades of death into the marvelous light of thy Faith; grant that all mankind, being delivered by thee from the slavery of Satan and of sin, may take upon them the light burden and sweet yoke of thy holy law; that thy name may be known and praised through all the earth, so that we may become one family of saints, through Christ our Lord.
Prayer Before The Sermon
I WILL hear what the Lord will say unto me. O Jesus, light of the world, enlighten my understanding, that I may comprehend thy word; and cleanse my heart, that it may bring forth fruit. Amen.
At The Creed
I FIRMLY believe—because God who is Infallible Truth hath so revealed it to the Holy Catholic Church, and through the Church to us—I firmly believe that there is only one God, in Three Divine Persons, equal and distinct, whose names are Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; that the Son became man, and through the operation of the Holy Spirit took flesh and a human soul in the womb of the most pure Virgin Mary, that He died for us upon the cross, rose again, ascended into heaven, and that he will come from thence at the end of the world to judge all the living and dead, to give paradise to the good, and hell to the wicked, forever ; and furthermore, upon the same motive, I believe everything that the Holy Church believes and teaches. In this faith and for this faith I desire to live and die. Grant, Lord, that my life may be comfortable with my faith, that my faith may be animated by good works, that I may never be ashamed to declare myself a Catholic, and may constantly maintain the interests of thy holy religion. Draw closer to me, Lord, the bonds that bind me to thy Holy Church; put into my heart a spirit of perfect obedience to its lawful pastors. In its bosom I became thy child, and in its bosom I desire to live and die. Amen.
During The Offetory
I ADORE thee, O my God; and, in union with the priest, offer thee this sacrifice, for thy honor and glory, in thanksgiving- for all the benefits conferred upon myself and upon the whole world; and in satisfaction for my many sins, and the sins of other men. Accept, O Lord, of this holocaust, which is no other than thy divine Son at once made priest and victim, offering and offerer, and apply his saving merits to my needy soul. Be comforted, O my heart, Jesus sacrifices himself for thee. O my Lord Jesus Christ, in remembrance and praise of the boundless love, with which thou didst give thyself wholly to us upon the altar of the cross, behold I offer unto thee this day this present sacrifice of the Mass, together with all the Masses which are celebrated throughout the world, by the hands of thy priests, to be presented to thy Eternal Father in union with, and in virtue of, that oblation in which thou thyself, dying on the cross, didst offer thy sacred body and blood for the salvation of the world. Grant that the oblation of the same, thy body and blood, which here is renewed in mystery, and is made under the form of bread and wine, may effectually obtain its proper fruit ; that thereby the living may receive grace, and the faithful departed, everlasting rest. Accept, also, O Lord, this same sacrifice, which contains in itself the fruit of thy passion and death, as an act of thanksgiving for the innumerable benefits. thou has conferred upon us, and a propitiation and satisfaction for the countless sins we have committed, the good we have omitted to do, and the punishments we have deserved. Who livest, etc.
Or,
ETERNAL Father, who wast pleased that by this most holy Sacrifice of the New Law, thy only begotten Son be offered to thee; I offer the same to thy divine Majesty, and in union therewith I offer myself, and all that of thy bounty thou hast bestowed upon me. Look upon me, and have mercy upon me. Amen.
O my soul, how Jesus Christ hath loved us! At what a price he hath redeemed us! Not with gold, nor with riches, but by the voluntary shedding of his blood. He hath sacrificed himself for us; let us, then, live only for him, let us sacrifice ourselves together with him. Thou willest, O Jesus, that I should be a victim of love, wholly consecrated to thy Divine Heart: it is my most ardent desire. Thy benefits are numberless; thou hast broken the bonds of my servitude; thou hast adopted me for thy child; thou hast admitted me to thy table; thou hast given me a place in thy Divine Heart; and even yet, for all my continual prevarications, thou preparest me an everlasting blessedness : how could I ever forget so many benefits! I will publish thy mercies, and will never cease to love thee with all the fervor of my heart. But, O my God, my heart is not full enough of love and fervor to be an offering worthy of thee. What, then, shall I give thee? I will give thee thy Son. That Son, the most worthy object of thy complacency, will supply my inability. O Lord, look not on me, but on this divine offering.
At The Lavabo
O My Jesus, would that I could take thee to witness of the holiness of my life and the innocence of my heart! But it is in thy mercy only that I place my hope; my consolation is in meditating on thy promises to the penitent heart, and thy faithfulness in performing them: confounded at all the sins that I have committed to this day, and encouraged by the favors which thou hast bestowed upon me, I can but promise to correspond better with thy graces than I have hitherto done. I will purify myself more and more with tears of penitence; I will bless thee as I do this day; and I will sing of the wonders of thy power and of thy mercy.
At The Suscipe
O MOST holy and adorable Trinity, vouchsafe to receive this our sacrifice in remembrance of our Savior’s Passion, Resurrection, and glorious Ascension: and grant that we may die with him to our sins, rise with him to a new life, and ascend with him to thee. Let those saints, whose memory we celebrate on earth, remember us before thy throne in heaven, and obtain mercy for us, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
At The Orate Fratres
THE creature can offer nothing to the Creator that can be worthy of his acceptance; I unite myself. therefore, to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which can alone merit anything in my behalf. I desire nothing but through him and with him. I have no wish beyond him. O God of mercy, I seek nothing but Thy love. Graciously accept of the sacrifice of my heart and of my whole self, and may it, like the sacrifice of Jesus, be pleasing to thee and unite us to him.
At The Secreta
MERCIFULLY hear my prayers, O Lord, and graciously accept this oblation which we thy servants make to thee; and as we offer it to the honor of thy name, so may it be to us here a means of obtaining thy grace, and life everlasting hereafter. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.
At The Preface
LIFT up, O Lord, do thou thyself lift up my heart to thee. Take from it all unholy thoughts, all earthly affections. Lift it wholly up to heaven, where thou art worthily adored, and to the altar, where thou art about to manifest thyself to me. My life is but one continual succession of thy mercies; let it be one continual succession of thanksgivings: and as thou art now about to renew the greatest of all sacrifices, is it not meet that I should burst forth in expressions of heartfelt gratitude? Suffer me, then, to join my feeble voice with the voices of all the heavenly spirits, and in union with them to say, in a transport of joy and admiration: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD OF SABAOTH. HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE FULL OF THY GLORY. HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST. BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. HASANNA IN THE HIGHEST.
At The Canon
PATERNAL and most merciful Father, behold, we come to offer thee our homage this day; we desire to adore, praise, and glorify thee, and to give thee thanks for thy great glory, joining our hearts and voices with all thy blessed in heaven, and with thy whole Church upon earth. But acknowledging our great unworthiness and innumerable sins, for which we are heartily sorry and humbly beg thy pardon, we dare not venture to approach thee otherwise than in company of thy Son, our Advocate and Mediator, Jesus Christ, whom thou hast given us to be both our High Priest and Sacrifice. With him, therefore, and through him we venture to offer thee this sacrifice; to his most sacred intentions we desire to unite ours; and with this offering which he makes of himself, we desire to make an offering of our whole being to thee. With him, and through him, we beseech thee to exalt thy holy Catholic Church, throughout the whole world ; to maintain her in peace, unity, holiness, and truth: to have mercy on thy servant N. our chief bishop (omit at times when the Chair of Peter is empty), N. our prelate, and on all that truly fear thee; on our pastor (parents, children), friends and benefactors, etc.; on all those whom we have in any way scandalized, injured or offended, or for whom we are on any other account bound to pray ; on all that are in their agony, or under violent temptations, or other necessities, corporal or spiritual; on all our enemies; and, in a word, on all poor sinners; that we may all be converted to thee, and find mercy, through Jesus Christ thy Son; through whom we hope one day to be admitted into the company of all thy saints and elect, whose memory we here celebrate, whose prayers we desire, and with whom we communicate in these holy mysteries. Amen.
At The Consecration
(Bow down your body and soul in solemn adoration ; make an act of faith in the real presence of your Savior’s body and blood, soul and divinity, under the sacramental veils. Offer your whole self to him and through Him to his Father; beg that your heart and soul may be happily changed into Him.)
At The Elevation Of The Host
(Here the hell is rung thrice)
HAIL, true Body, born of the Virgin Mary, which didst truly suffer and wast immolated on the cross for man, whose side was pierced and flowed with water and with blood; may we have a foretaste of thee in the last agony of death. O kind, O loving one, Jesus, Son of Mary, have mercy on me. Amen.
Or,
HAIL, saving Victim, incarnate Word, sacrificed for me and all mankind! Hail precious Body of the Son of God ! Hail sacred Flesh, torn with nails, pierced with a lance, and bleeding on a cross for us sinners! O amazing goodness! O infinite love! Oh, let that tender love plead now in my behalf: let all my iniquities be here effaced, let my soul be cleansed from all its defilements. Lord, I believe in thee; I hope in thee; I love thee. To thee be honor, praise, and glory, from all creatures forever and ever. Amen.
At The Elevation Of The Chalice
(Here also the bell is rung thrice)
SAVIOUR of the world, save us; for by thy cross and by thy blood thou hast redeemed us; help us, we beseech thee, O our God. Amen.
Have mercy on me, dear Jesus, and grant that thy blood may not be shed in vain for me, I most humbly beseech thee. Amen.
Or,
HAIL, Sacred Blood, flowing from the wounds of Jesus Christ, and washing away the sins of the world! O cleanse, sanctify, and preserve my soul, that nothing in future may ever separate me from thee. Behold, O Eternal Father, thy holy Jesus, and look upon thy face of thy Christ, in whom thou art well pleased. Hear the voice of his blood crying out to thee, not for vengeance, but for mercy and pardon. Accept this divine oblation, and through the infinite merits of all the sufferings that Jesus endured on the cross for our salvation, be pleased to look upon us, and upon all thy people, with an eye of mercy.
At The Memento For The Dead
I OFFER thee again, O Lord, this holy sacrifice of the body and blood of thy only Son, in behalf of the faithful departed, and in particular for the souls of (here name whom you chiefly propose to pray for) my parents (if dead), relatives, benefactors, neighbors, etc. Likewise of such as I have any ways injured, or been the occasion of their sins; of such as have injured me, and been my enemies; of such as die in war, or have none to pray for them. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech thee, a place of refreshment, light and peace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
At The Nobis Quoque Peccatoribus
VOUCHSAFE to grant the same to us, poor and miserable sinners; judge us not according to our demerits; but through the infinite multitude of thy mercies, in which we hope, liberally extend to us thy grace and pardon. We ask it of thee in the name of thy dear Son, who liveth and reigneth eternally with thee, and in that form of prayer which he himself hath taught us. Amen.
At The Pater Noster
OUR Father, who reignest in heaven, come and reign in my soul, come and sanctify it by thy presence; come and subject it to thy holy will, and render it obedient to the inspirations of thy grace. Extinguish in my heart every feeling of hatred and revenge; forgive me as I forgive. Grant to me such wisdom and such strength that I may triumph over all temptations. Deliver me from all those evils which oppress me, and under which I groan, being burdened. I come to thee, as a child to his father, to be fed; as a subject to his prince, to be protected; as one afflicted, to his only succor, to be consoled and comforted. Amen.
Or,
THOU, O ineffable God, art our Father. Our Father, because thou hast created us with so much love. Our Father, because thou hast redeemed us with so much blood. Our Father, because thou dost preserve us by thy omnipotence. Deal with us, O Lord, as thy children; and grant that we may truly reverence thee as our Father. Endow us, we beseech thee, with grace to seek only thy glory, as becomes the children of so good a Parent. We were created by thee, we are governed by thee. O grant that we may live only for thee. Amen.
At The Libera Nos
DELIVER us, we beseech thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, present, and to come; and by the intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, and of all the saints, mercifully grant peace in our days, that by the assistance of thy holy grace we may be always free from sin and secure from all disturbance.
At The Pax Domini
THY body was broken, and thy blood shed for us. Grant that the commemoration of this holy mystery may obtain for us peace; and that those who receive it may find everlasting rest. O Lamb of God, pure and spotless victim who alone canst satisfy the justice of an offended God, vouchsafe to make me partaker of the merits of thy sacrifice. What lessons of humility, meekness, charity and patience dost thou not give! Impress these virtues upon my heart, that it may be to thee a pleasant habitation, wherein thou mayest repose as in an abode of peace. Amen.
After The Angus Dei
IN saying to thy Apostles, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, thou hast promised, O Lord, to all thy Church, that peace which the world cannot give—peace with thee, and peace with ourselves. Let nothing, O Lord, ever interrupt this holy peace; let nothing separate us from thee, to whom we heartily desire to be united, through the blessed sacrament of peace and reconciliation. Let this food of angels strengthen us in every Christian duty, so as never more to yield under temptations, or fall into our common weaknesses.
O my good God and sweet Savior Jesus, who art present here for my sake, and givest thyself to me for daily food, and for the supply of all my necessities: since without thee, who art the true food of my soul, I cannot live, I humbly beseech thee to refresh me spiritually, and make me partaker of that grace which they experience who devoutly receive thee. O good Jesus, despise me not, but vouchsafe to visit thy servant, and by thy grace to work and perfect all the effects and virtues of thy holy sacrament in me, to thy honor, O my God, and the eternal salvation of my soul. Amen.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me; body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me; Water issuing from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me, hide me within thy wounds; never suffer me to be separated from thee; from the malignant enemy defend me; at the hour of my death call me, and bid me come unto thee, that with thy saints I may praise thee for all eternity. Amen.
At The Domine Non Sum Dignus
GOD only can be worthy of receiving God; how, then, can a soul so sinful as mine merit so great a happiness! But thou, O Lord, regardest not thy greatness but thy mercy. Thou willest that I come to thee, as one sick to the physician who can heal him, as one poor to the rich lord who can assist him. O God of love, behold at thy feet the poorest, the most infirm, of thy creatures. Unite me to thyself, and I shall become rich and whole in thy sight. Work, I beseech thee, this miracle, worthy of thy omnipotence and charity. Amen.
While The Priest Communicates
O SACRED banquet, in which Christ is received, the memory of his passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us!
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we may so reverence the sacred mysteries of thy body and blood, that we may ever find in ourselves the fruits of thy redemption. Amen.
Act Of Spiritual Communion For Those Who Do Not Intend To Communicate
O MY most loving Savior, since I cannot have the happiness of receiving thee this day, suffer me to gather up the precious crumbs that fall from thy table, and to unite myself to thy divine heart by faith, hope, and charity. I confess I do not deserve the children’s bread; but I venture humbly to declare that, away from thee, my soul is dried up with thirst, and my heart cast down with faintness. Come, then, into me, O my divine Jesus; come into my mind, to illuminate it with thy light; come into my heart, to enkindle in it the fire of thy love, and to unite it so intimately with thy own, that it may be no more I that live, but thou that livest in me, and reignest in me forever. Amen.
Prayer During The Ablutions
GRANT us, O Lord, a part in the fruits of thy death and passion, which we leave this day commemorated. I adore thy goodness, O gracious Lord, for thy inestimable favor in admitting me to be present again at that holy sacrifice where thou art both priest and victim. Oh, make me always sensible of so great a blessing, and let not my unworthiness put a bar to thy mercy and goodness. Amen.
At The Communion
LET it be now, O Lord, the effect of thy mercy, that we, who have been present at this holy mystery, may find the benefit of it in our souls. Oh, how sweet, Lord, is thy spirit ; who, to show thy sweetness towards thy children, givest them the most delicious bread from heaven, and sendest the proud away empty. Amen.
At The Post-Communion
POUR forth upon us, Lord, the Spirit of Thy love, that, by thy mercy, Thou mayest make those of one mind whom Thou hast fed with one celestial food. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, etc.
At The Last Gospel
ETERNAL Word, speak to my soul, which adores Thee in profound silence: thou who art the great Creator of all things, abandon not, I beseech thee, thy own creature: be thou my life, my light, and my all.
Let us pray
We give Thee thanks, almighty and gracious Father, that thou hast permitted us this day to offer our homage to thy divine Majesty. Of Thine infinite mercy grant us pardon of our sins, and all things necessary for the welfare of our souls and bodies. Amen.
Prayers Ordered By Our Holy Father Pope Leo XIII
To be said kneeling after the celebration of Low Mass in all Catholic Churches of the world.
Hail Mary, to be said three times by the Priest and People.
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, hail; our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray
O GOD our refuge and our strength, look down with favor on Thy people who cry to Thee ; and through the intercession of the glorious and Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of St. Joseph, her Spouse, of thy blessed Apostles, Peter and Paul, and of all the Saints, in mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of our Holy Mother the Church. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessed Michael, Archangel, defend us in the hour of conflict; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God restrain him we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust, down to hell, Satan, and with him the other wicked spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.
Additional Prayers Before/During/After Mass
Prayer Before Mass (St. Ambrose)
O loving Lord Jesus Christ, I a sinner, presuming not on my own merits, but trusting in Thy mercy and goodness, with fear and trembling approach the table of Thy most sacred banquet. For I have defiled both my heart and body with many sins, and have not kept a strict guard over my mind and my tongue. Wherefore, O gracious God, O awful Majesty, I, a wretched creature, entangled in difficulties, have recourse to Thee, the font of mercy; to Thee do I fly that I may be healed, and take refuge under Thy protection. And I ardently desire to have Him as my Savior, Whom I am unable to withstand as my Judge.
To Thee, O lord, I show my wounds, to Thee I lay bare my shame. I know that my sins are many and great, on account of which I am filled with fear. But I trust in Thy mercy, of which there is no end. Look down upon me, therefore, with the eyes of Thy mercy on me, who am full of misery and sin, Thou Who wilt never cease to let flow the fountain of mercy.
Hail, Victim of salvation, offered for me and for all mankind on the tree of the Cross. Hail, noble and precious Blood, flowing from the wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ and washing away the sins of the whole world. Remember, O Lord, Thy creature, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Blood. I am grieved because I have sinned, I desire to make amends for what I have done.
Take away from me, therefore, O most merciful Father, all my iniquities and sins, that, being purified both in soul, and body, I may worthily partake of the Holy of Holies. And grant that this holy oblation of Thy Body and Blood, of which, though unworthy, I purpose to partake, may be to me the remission of my sins, the perfect cleansing of my offenses, the means of driving away all evil thoughts and of renewing all holy desires, the accomplishment of works pleasing to Thee, as well as the strongest defense for soul and body against the snares of my enemies. Amen.
Prayer Before the Reception of Holy Communion (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Almighty and eternal God, behold, I approach the sacrament of Thine only-begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. I approach as one who is sick to the physician of life,
as one unclean to the fountain of mercy, as one blind to the light of eternal brightness, as one poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Therefore I beseech Thee, of Thine infinite goodness, to heal my sickness, to wash away my filth, to enlighten my blindness, to enrich my poverty, and to clothe my nakedness, that I may receive the Bread of Angels, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords with such reverence and humility, with such contrition and devotion, with such purity and faith, with such purpose and intention, as may conduce to the salvation of my soul. Grant, I beseech Thee, that I may receive not only the sacrament of the Body and Blood of our Lord, but also the fruit and virtue of this sacrament.
O most indulgent God, grant me so to receive the Body of Thine only-begotten Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ, which He took of the Virgin Mary, that I may be found worthy to be incorporated with His mystical body and numbered among His members. O most loving Father, grant that I may one day contemplate forever, face to face, Thy beloved Son, Whom now on my pilgrimage I am about to receive under the sacramental veils; Who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.
Prayer After the Reception of Holy Communion (St. Thomas Aquinas)
I give thanks to Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God, who hast vouchsafed, not for any merit of mine, but solely out of the condescension of Thy mercy, to satisfy me a sinner, Thine unworthy servant, with the precious Body and Blood of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ.
I pray that this holy Communion be not to me a condemnation unto punishment, but a saving plea unto forgiveness. May it be unto me the armour of faith and the shield of good will. May it be the emptying out of my vices, the extinction of all concupiscence and lust, the increase of charity and patience, of humility and obedience, and of all virtues; a strong defense against the snares of all enemies, visible and invisible; the perfect quieting of all my evil impulses, both fleshly and ghostly; a firm cleaving unto Thee, the one true God; and a pledge of a blessed destiny.
And I beseech Thee, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bring me, a sinner, to the ineffable banquet, where Thou, with Thy Son and the Holy Ghost, art to Thy saints true light, fullness of content, eternal joy, gladness without alloy and perfect happiness. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
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The Lord our God often gives us so many wonderful things that makes our life worth living. He gives us the gift of family and friends, the gift of love and laughter. As humble servants, we should show gratitude and give something back to the Father.
Since God does not want anything material, we offer to Him prayers from our hearts. These heartfelt offertory prayers should be our gifts to the Lord for everything that He has done for us, including His Son who has given up His life to save us from our sins.
Morning Offering
Father Almighty, I love and adore You with all my heart. Thank You for creating me and making me a Christian. Keep me safe through the night. I offer You all my works and actions today.
I offer You all my thoughts and intentions, all my affections and desires. I gladly offer these all throughout the day. Grant them that they may be in according to Your will and only for Your greater glory, Lord.
Keep me away from all sin and evil. Let Your grace always be with me and my loved ones. May they feel Your presence through me. I pray that I never lose sight of you all day long. Accept my desire and take my offerings, dear God. Let me die for love of You. Let my last heartbeat be an act of perfect love like how Jesus has showed us.
In Your Son Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Prayer for Offering of Life to the Lord
Heavenly Father, You have granted us the gift of being Your children. You have given us Your son to save us from our sins. Because of that, Father, I offer my life to you. I will live in sacrifice to do what is pleasing to You. I offer you all my hard work and my sacrifices.
I do all things to glorify Your most holy name, Lord. I cast all my worries about you and I believe that everything will be in place for I have You as my Father, dear God. Grant me the strength to hold on to You not only during the times of weakness but through whatever.
Thank You, Father, for being so generous to us. I give You my life and I will dedicate every service I do to You. I ask this in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer to Repay Generosity
Father Almighty, You have given us many blessings. We come to You today in thanksgiving and our hearts look heavenward. You have given us a home to take shelter in, clothes to makes feel warm, food to nourish our body and water to keep us from being thirsty.
You have given us eyes to see your beautiful creations, a nose to smell the scent of the flowers, ears to hear the birds humming so sweetly in the morning. You have given us the hands to touch the lives of many. For all these gifts You have showered upon us, we offer to You these simple presents. May they be put to good use of the community.
You have showed us what it means to be generous and we want to pay it forward to our church. Grant the youth the same generosity You have taught us and that they may understand what it means to be Your child. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Prayer for These Gifts
Heavenly Father, we offer You these gifts to mend the hearts of those who were possessed by the devil. You alone have the remove our insecurities – our greed, prejudice and our fear.
Your Word alone can nurture our souls and give peace in our hearts. You have given us the gift of salvation and you ask nothing but our repentance in return. Your example of being generous teaches us to do the same especially to those who have sinned against us.
You have taught us the lesson of forgiving those who have done wrong against us. We dedicate these gifts in Your honor and glory, Lord as thanksgiving for all the things You have given us. Teach us to be committed to You and only You all the days of our lives. We dedicate our lives, hard work and sacrifices to You, Father. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Prayer for the Gifts We Offer to the Lord
Lord, You provide us with everything it is that we need. You have blessed us with many opportunities to do what is right and true. You never ask us to wait when we cry out for Your name. You provide us counsel in times of sorrow and grief.
You share us joy in times of celebration and glee. Today, teach us how to dedicate our lives only for Your glory. Teach us to become a blessing to others even to those we do not know. Encourage us to follow the footsteps of Your son Jesus Christ as he was the ultimate example of what a good person is.
Teach us to reject all things evil.
Keep us away from temptation and mend the hearts of those who are hurt. May these tithes and other gifts multiply and it may be of help to those who are in need. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Our Offerings
Heavenly Father, You are the Creator and Source of all things good. You have showered us with greatness and love even on the days we turn against You. Look into our hearts and receive this heartfelt thanksgiving we offer to you. Thank You for all the gifts and blessings You have showered upon me and my family. You are the rock of our spirit and without You, we will be nothing.
You have provided us with a family, friends, a home and food to eat for each day. As You have been generous to us, we offer You these gifts as symbols of our utmost gratitude for Your kindness. Bless us, Father, with continued graces and blessings throughout each year. May these gifts multiply and that everyone in our community can benefit from them.
Forever in Your glory, Lord. In Jesus’ most holy name, we pray. Amen.
Read Powerful Prayers for Gratitude
My Daily Offering to the Lord
Heavenly God, I offer You all my works and actions for this day for the glory of Your name. I pray that I may sanctify every beat of my heart, every thought in my mind. Every simple work I do, I offer onto You. I wish that all my sins be forgiven as You are a merciful and loving God.
I offer this prayer to those who are dear to me. I pray that they fulfil Your most holy will and that they may accept all sorrows that may come their way. Take all my laughter and my tears, every word, every thought and each deed to help all those who are in need. May this gift of prayer be a unique offering to Jesus Christ, Your son.
He renewed our spirits and guided our eyes to look heavenward. I pray that my soul be united with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray Amen.
A Morning Offering for the Father
Sweet Jesus, pray with me this morning as offering to God our Father. He has blessed me with You and my family. He has given me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mouth to speak the word of truth. I offer to You and the Father all my works, thoughts and actions for this day. I offer all that I am and who I am to glorify Your name.
Jesus, You continuously offer Yourself for the salvation of all mankind. Teach us this kind of generosity. Teach us to love our neighbours, even those who have sinned against us like You have forgiven Judas. I pray that the Holy Spirit will be my guide on my journey to become like You, Jesus.
I pray that I may be pure like Your Mother Mary. May all women here on Earth emulate her purity and her integrity. All this I pray. Amen.
Table of contents
- 1 Featured Prayers and Poems for Offerings
- 2 Short Prayer for Difficult Times
- 3 Prayer for Peace
- 4 Prayer for the Broken-Hearted
- 5 Prayer for Perseverance
- 6 Prayer for Self Control
- 7 Prayer for Your Children
- 8 Prayer for Loving Like Jesus
- 9 Prayer for God’s Direction
- 10 Prayer for When You Feel Unworthy
- 11 Prayer For Worry
- 12 Prayer for God’s Strength
- 13 Prayer for Control of Tongue
- 14 Prayer When Feeling Inadequate
- 15 Prayer for Being Grateful
- 16 Prayer of God’s Provision
- 17 Prayer for Growing Faith
- 18 Prayer for Confidence
- 19 Prayer for a Heavy Heart
- 20 Prayer for Hope and Trust
- 21 Short Prayer for Thankfulness
- 22 Prayer for Restored Relationships
Featured Prayers and Poems for Offerings
We Pray as We Serve
Holy God, you sent us your Son to teach us how to live with one another, and Jesus made it so clear for us when he told parables of compassion and mercy. As we give our gifts this morning, we remember that our lives are a journey, and there are wounded and hurting all along the road. Some are where we can see, some are where we cannot see. May the gifts we offer this morning be used to bind up the wounds, to ease the pain, to give hope to those who wait in despair as the world seems to pass by on the other side.
We pray as we serve, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Source: gbod.org
Offertory Prayer for Worship Leaders
Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we beseech thee, faithful stewards of thy great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Source: generousgiving.org
Prayer for Thanksgiving Offerings
Dearest Father, I offer these gifts to You as You have given me everything it is that I need.
You have provided me with a comfortable life with more than everything that I shall ever need. May these gifts be tools to fix every negativity we have in life – desperation, greed, prejudice. You, Father, are the provider of all things great. May these gifts we give to You be used only for good things.
Thank You, Father, for the teaching us how to be generous without expecting anything in return because that is how it always should be. Through the intercession of Mary Our Mother, I pray. Amen.
Bearing Gifts
Heavenly Father, I come to You today bearing gifts. May these gifts be put to good use like the blessings You have been showering upon me and my loved ones. May Your generosity be emulated by everyone. Teach them, especially the young ones, the importance of giving and how it is more important than receiving. May these gifts be able to bind all broken hearts, relationships and dreams.
May they please You, Father, as that is what my life is for. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Father God, we come to You with gifts of gratitude and thanksgiving. We continuously praise and glorify Your name for all the gifts You have showered upon us. You have loved us unconditionally even on the days we do not acknowledge Your presence.
You willingly had Your Son sacrifice his life to save us from our sins. Because of those, Father, we thank You with all of hearts. We offer onto You all the sacrifices we have made and yet to make, all the hard work that goes through everything we do. In Your most holy name, we pray.
Amen.
The Fruits of Our Labor
By: Raymond A. Foss
We prayed together, to the creator,
the source of all we have,
offering “the fruit of our labor”;
but the words themselves were discordant
somehow not precisely what I believe
a worthy prayer, offering back to God;
but is there more? Something else to say?
Our fruits; our labor, really?
We are offering that which we “earned”,
hmm, but what does “to earn” mean itself?
What are the fruits of our labors truly?
When does the fruit stop being the Lord’s
When do we earn anything? Isn’t all of our all,
our lives, our work, our wealth, our poverty,
our living, our dying, all a gift of God?
Maybe, just maybe, our prayer should change;
maybe we should pray that we offer to You,
our loving, creator, sustainer God, a mere portion
a small measure,
a pittance of that which you have given us
through our works,
our living out of our working lives
through the gift of the job, the position, the career
you have called us to, at this time in our lives.
That we offer to you a small part of that which
You have so abundantly blessed us.
Not the fruits of our labor, but a piece of the harvest
of the daily bread which You alone have provided
a bit of the loaves, the fishes, so that we may add
to the basket from which you bless and break
and share with the whole world, Your ministry of love
to the ends of the earth, and the end of the age.
Living more humbly, acknowledging the source
the center of all we are, all we have
sharing with others, that which was never ours, truly,
gifts, all we have, from the creator,
to give back, from our hearts
so that others would know abundance, daily provision
that none would be hungry, thirsty, anymore.
Source: Raymond A Foss
These are just few of the wonderful offertory prayers anyone can offer to the Lord to thank Him for all the blessings You have received and the ones that you have yet to have. The Lord answers all requests asked from him, but not all at once.
But as the cliche goes, all good things come to those who wait.
www.praywithme.com
Whether you have had a personal relationship with God for years or you are only beginning to discover who Jesus is, we all need guidance sometimes when it comes to prayers. It’s often hard to find the words to pray, that’s why we put together this collection of short prayers. The following short prayers offer guiding words to use for praying over various topics including worry, anxiety, doubt, forgiveness, fear, and other areas of life where we need to ask for God’s help. Please use these prayers and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you add some of your own words and personalize your petitions to God.
Short Prayer for Difficult Times
~ Jennifer O White
Prayer for Peace
Father God, my heart is filled with chaos and confusion. I feel as if I am drowning in my circumstances and my heart is filled with fear and confusion. I really need the strength and peace that only You can give. Right now, I choose to rest in You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. ~ Mary Southerland.
Prayer for the Broken-Hearted
Lord, my heart is broken but You are near. My spirit is crushed, but You are my rescuer. Your Word is my hope. It revives me and comforts me in especially now. My soul faints, but you are the breath of life within me. You are my help, the One who sustains me. I am weak but You are strong. You bless those who mourn, and I trust You to bless me and my family with all that we need. You will rescue me from this dark cloud of despair because You delight in me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Jennifer White
Prayer for Perseverance
Holy Lord, Thank You for grace. Please help me move beyond the hurdles that trip me up and give me the strength and wisdom to look up and see the hope I run toward in Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Gwen Smith
Prayer for Self Control
Father, today I ask forgiveness of all the negative and harmful words I have spoken about myself. I do not want to abuse myself in such a way again. Transform my thoughts and let me understand how marvelously you made me. Change my habits so I use my tongue to speak hope and favor upon my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ~ Sarah Coleman
Prayer for Your Children
~ Dr. Neil T. Anderson
Prayer for Loving Like Jesus
Father, I have to thank You for looking beyond my faults and for loving me unconditionally. Forgive me when I fail to love others in the same way. Give me eyes to see the needs of the difficult people in my life, and show me how to meet those needs in a way that pleases You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Mary Southerland
Prayer for God’s Direction
Lord, help me not to lean on my own understanding but in everything acknowledge You so that You can direct my words, thoughts and actions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Sharon Glasgow
Prayer for When You Feel Unworthy
~ Renee Swope
Prayer For Worry
Father, I am tempted to worry about so many things. Our world is a mess! Forgive me for focusing on anything or anyone but You. Thank You for the Bible that equips and empowers me to live each day. Right now, I declare that You are my only Hope. Please help me remember that You really are in control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Mary Southerland
Prayer for God’s Strength
Lord, thank you for your greatness. Thank you that when I am weak, you are strong. Lord, the Devil is scheming and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with you. Don’t let him win! Give me a measure of your strength so that I might not give into discouragement, deception and doubt! Help me honor you in all my ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Debbie Przybylski
Prayer for Control of Tongue
~ Debbie Przybylski
Prayer When Feeling Inadequate
Dear Lord, Thank You for fearfully and wonderfully creating each of us. Thank You for giving us worth in Your eyes. Help us live as the one You uniquely intended us to be. Help us abide instead of strive, living peacefully and joyfully as heirs to Your Kingdom and co-heirs with Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Julie Sunne
Prayer for Being Grateful
Father, I am so sorry for the way I complain about my circumstances. Please forgive me for my bad attitude when things don’t go my way. I want to see Your hand in every part of every day – good or bad. Help me learn how to face every storm with confidence, knowing that You really are in control even though I cannot hear Your voice or see Your hand at work. In Jesus Name, Amen. ~ Mary Southerland
Prayer of God’s Provision
Dear Father God, Thank You for Your unfailing love for me, Your blessings, and goodness. Thank You for Your faithfulness to guide me and see me through times of uncertainty, for lifting me up, and setting me on high. Thank You for Scripture that comforts and reminds me of Your promises, plan, and provision. Thank you for taking away my fears and worries, the what-ifs, and reminding me that my help comes from You. Help me be a good steward and to sow wisely. In Christ’s Name, Amen. ~ Renee Davis
Prayer for Growing Faith
Dear Lord, help me – every single morning – to find faith in the midst of the chaos. Give me the desire and ability to see You, hear You, talk to You, and give thanks to You. And as I do, I pray that I will draw nearer and nearer to You, and that my faith will multiply exponentially as I understand in new, deeper ways that You are everything I ever hoped You would be. And so much more. Amen. ~ Kelly O’Dell Stanley
Prayer for Confidence
Lord, help me let go of my fear of failure. I know Satan wants to use my fears to hold me back from living boldly for You. Forgive me for not living in faith, and help me from this moment on to live with bold confidence in You. Lord, help me not compare myself to others around me. I pray instead that I can keep my eye on You and live a life that proclaims Your excellence. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. ~ Rick Warren
Prayer for a Heavy Heart
Lord, I want to lay before you all that weighs heavy on my heart. Reveal even the sin I am not aware of, Lord. I lay these at your feet and pray your forgiveness on me. I believe you when you say that you wash us whiter than snow. Thank you Lord for your unending love for me! Help me start fresh right now to make choices that honor you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Rick Warren
Prayer for Hope and Trust
Father, sometimes it does feel that you have left us in the battle. We know that you are with us, but so are our feelings of aloneness. The Enemy seems to be taking ground. Our crying out to you seems to go unanswered. We know you are at work, but help us trust you in the midst of our questions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Ron Moore
Short Prayer for Thankfulness
God, sometimes life gets me down and I find it hard to see things to be thankful for. Open my eyes to see the gifts you’ve given me in my life. I’m going to start by thanking you for loving me enough to come to earth and die so we can live together forever. Amen. ~ Wendy van Eyck
Prayer for Restored Relationships
Father God, open my eyes to see the ways I’m like Cain. What conflicts am I allowing to brew in my family? What anger is bubbling into murderous rage in my relationships? Thank You for the clarity to see how hatred kills relationships. I choose instead the way of love. Love protects. Help me to protect those I love by loving them. Your way is always best, Father. I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ James MacDonald
Which one of these short prayers spoke the most to you and how can we be praying for you? Comment below and let us know!
This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray.
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for StrengthPrayer for ProtectionMorning PrayersGood Night PrayersSerenity PrayerA Birthday PrayerSinner’s PrayerPrayer for ForgivenessPrayer for GuidanceIntercessory PrayerPrayer for PeacePrayer for FaithPrayer for Love
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