A couple of dumb (?) questions

[thomasf]

When you go into church before the mass, and you kneel to pray, what exactly are you praying? Is it just random prayer to God, or is there a specific thing you always say/pray?

Also, after communion, when you return to the pew and kneel and pray, what are you praying then?

I don’t know that I’ve ever been told what you’re supposed to pray or do then. Just wondering if there is something specific we are supposed to do then.

Thanks.

 

[gwenred]

There are no set prayers that I know of, although many prayer books have suggestions. Before Mass begins, I usually ask God to open my heart and mind to hear His Word, and to receive Him in the Eucharist worthily. After communion, any prayer of thanksgiving is appropriate.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

When you go into church before the mass, and you kneel to pray, what exactly are you praying? Is it just random prayer to God, or is there a specific thing you always say/pray?

Also, after communion, when you return to the pew and kneel and pray, what are you praying then?

I don’t know that I’ve ever been told what you’re supposed to pray or do then. Just wondering if there is something specific we are supposed to do then.

Thanks.

There are prayers in most Catholic prayer books for before Mass and after Mass. Most Catholics do not use them however. Prayers before Mass should be asking that you be properly disposed to receive the graces offered and that you benefit from participating in the heavenly liturgy. Prayers after Mass should reflect on what you just received and what you just participated in.

 

[John_Lilburne]

At the back of the Roman Missal there are four prayers provided under the heading “Preparation for Mass”.

1. Prayer of St. Ambrose, beginning: “Lord Jesus Christ, I approach your banquet table in fear and trembling …”.
2. Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas, beginning: “Almighty and ever-living God, I approach the sacrament of your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Chirst. …”.
3. Prayer to the Virgin Mary, beginning “Mother of mercy and love, blessed Virgin Mary, I am a poor and unworthy sinner, …”.
4. Statement of Intention, beginning “My purpose is to celebrate Mass and to make present the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ …”. Clearly it is intended for priests.

The prayers are at christusrex.org/www1/mcitl/prayers.html .

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

Hi,

Take any suggestions you like, but it is really up to you. All sincere prayer is pleasing to God.

Don’t forget praise prayer, it is also very uplifting to the person praying.

Lux