BEFORE COMMUNION PRAYER OF ST AMBROSE
Lord Jesus Christ, I approach your banquet table in fear and trembling, for I am a sinner, And dare not rely on my own worth but only on your goodness and mercy. I am defiled by many sins in body and soul, and by my unguarded thoughts and words. Gracious God of majesty and awe, I seek your protection, I look for your healing. Poor troubled sinner that I am, I appeal to you, the fountain of all mercy. I cannot bear your judgment, but I trust in your salvation. Lord, I show my wounds to you and uncover my shame before you. I know my sins are many and great, and they fill me with fear, But I hope in your mercies, for they cannot be numbered. Lord, Jesus Christ, eternal king, God and man, crucified for mankind, Look upon me with mercy and hear my prayer, for I trust in you. Have mercy on me, full of sorrow and sin, for the depth of your compassion never ends. Praise to you, saving sacrifice, offered on the wood of the cross for me and for all mankind. Praise to the noble and precious blood, flowing from he wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ and washing away the sins of the whole world. Remember, Lord, your creature, whom you have redeemed with your blood. I repent my sins, and I long to put right what I have done. Merciful Father, take away all my offenses and sins; Purify me in body and soul, and make me worthy to taste the holy of holies. May your body and blood, which I intend to receive, although I am unworthy, Be for me the remission of my sins, the washing away of my guilt, The end of my evil thoughts, and the rebirth of my better instincts. May it incite me to do the works pleasing to you and profitable to my health In body and soul, and be a firm defense against the wiles of my enemies. Amen.
AFTER COMMUNION – PRAYER OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
Lord, Father all-powerful and ever-living God, I thank you, For even though I am a sinner, your unprofitable servant, Not because of my worth but in the kindness of your mercy, You have fed me with the precious body and blood of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that this holy communion may not bring me condemnation and punishment but forgiveness and
salvation. May it be a helmet of faith and a shield of good will. May it purify me from evil ways and put an end to my evil passions. May it bring me charity and patience, humility and obedience, And the power to do good. May it be my strong defense against all my enemies, visible and Invisible, and the perfect calming of all my evil impulses, bodily and spiritual. May it unite me more closely to you, the One true God, And lead me safely through death to everlasting happiness with you And I pray that you will lead me, a sinner, to the banquet where You And Your Son and Holy Spirit, are true and perfect light, Total fulfillment, everlasting joy, gladness without end, And perfect happiness to your saints. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.