Almighty and everlasting God, behold I come to the Sacrament of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: I come as one infirm to the physician of life, as one unclean to the fountain of mercy, as one blind to the light of everlasting brightness, as one poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Therefore I implore the abundance of Thy measureless bounty that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to heal my infirmity, wash my uncleanness, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty and clothe my nakedness, that I may receive the Bread of Angels, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, with such reverence and humility, with such sorrow and devotion, with such purity and faith, with such purpose and intention as may be profitable to my soul’s salvation. Grant unto me, I pray, the grace of receiving not only the Sacrament of our Lord’s Body and Blood, but also the grace and power of the Sacrament. O most gracious God, grant me so to receive the Body of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, which He took from the Virgin Mary, as to merit to be incorporated into His mystical Body, and to be numbered amongst His members. O most loving Father, give me grace to behold forever Thy beloved Son with His face at last unveiled, whom I now purpose to receive under the sacramental veil here below.
Amen.
Deeper understanding of A Prayer Before Mass (by St. Thomas Aquinas)
The Prayer Before Mass, also known as the Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas, is a widely used Catholic prayer that is said before the celebration of Mass. The prayer is known for its beauty and depth, and reflects St. Thomas’ profound understanding of the Eucharist as a sacrament of love and grace.
St. Thomas Aquinas, a medieval theologian and philosopher, is credited with authorship of the prayer. He developed the prayer as part of his reflections on the mystery of the Eucharist, seeking to deepen his own understanding of this central Catholic sacrament.
The prayer is recited by Catholics before the start of Mass, and expresses a desire for spiritual protection, purification, and blessing. It highlights the transformative power of the Eucharist, asking God to help the faithful approach the sacrament with humility, reverence, and love.
The Prayer Before Mass has become a beloved part of Catholic liturgical tradition, and is often recited before Mass in churches around the world. It is considered a profound expression of Catholic spirituality and an inspiration for deepening one’s relationship with God through the sacramental life of the Church.
Overall, the history of the Prayer Before Mass reflects the enduring importance of Catholic devotion and prayer in fostering a deeper appreciation of the sacraments and the mystery of God’s love. Through prayers like this, Catholics seek to enter more fully into the celebration of the Eucharist and to encounter Christ in a deeper and more meaningful way.