Prayer Before Mass

Dark grapes hang from a vine above a vineyard with a small stone chapel in the distance.
Gathering the heart for worship.

Receive, O Holy Trinity, One God, this Holy Sacrifice of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which I, Your unworthy servant, desire now to offer to Your Divine Majesty by the hands of this Your minister, with all the Sacrifices which have ever been or will be offered to You, in union with that most Holy Sacrifice offered by the same Christ our Lord at the Last Supper, and on the Altar of the Cross.

I offer it to You with the utmost affection of devotion, out of pure love for Your infinite goodness, and according to the most holy intention of the same Christ our Lord, and of our Holy Mother the Church.

O God, almighty and merciful, grant us through this Holy Sacrifice, joy and peace, a holier life, time to do penance, grace and consolation of the Holy Spirit, and perseverance in good works. Amen.

Further reading

Edward Sri explains the biblical roots of the Mass’s prayers and gestures, helping readers bring greater understanding to this prayer of offering.

A Biblical Walk Through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do in the Liturgy by Edward Sri (perfect paperback, revised 2021 edition) on Amazon (paid link)