Prayer Before Mass

Almighty and ever-living God, I draw near to the sacrament of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I come as one 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.

I implore You, in Your boundless mercy, to heal my sickness, wash my uncleanness, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness. May I receive the Bread of Angels, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, with such reverence and humility, such contrition and devotion, such purity and faith, such purpose and intention as are conducive to the salvation of my soul.

Grant, I beseech You, that I may receive not only the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of the Lord, but also the grace and power of the Sacrament. Most gracious God, grant me so to receive the Body of Your only-begotten Son, which He took from the Virgin Mary, that I may be found worthy to be incorporated into His mystical Body and to be counted among His members.

Most loving Father, grant that I may at last gaze forever on Your beloved Son with His face unveiled, whom I now intend to receive veiled under these sacramental signs. Amen.