A Prayer before Mass,

O most merciful Father, and gracious God, who hast so loved the world, as not to spare thy only beloved Son, but didst deliver him up to suffer the cruel death of the cross for the redemption of us poor sinners; and wilt, moreover, have the same oblation daily renewed in the Mass, that we may apply the fruit of his sacred passion for the benefit of our souls; grant, we humbly beseech thee, that we may assist, with all reverence and devotion, at these adorable mysteries of thy infinite wisdom and singular goodness, that we may be made partakers of the fruit and virtue of the bloody sacrifice of the cross by this unbloody oblation of the altar. First then we offer it up, O Lord, in humble and sincere profession of the supreme power and dominion thou hast over us and all creatures; to which we willingly submit. Secondly, in satisfaction and atonement for all the sins we have ever committed. Thirdly, as a thanksgiving for all the favours and blessings bestowed on us in general or particular. Lastly, that we may mercifully obtain of thy divine goodness what thou knowest we stand most in need of (Here may be added in particular what each want for themselves or others, living or dead). With these dispositions and intentions, we approach, O God, this day to thy altar, relying on thy power and mercy to grant our petitions: through the merits of the sacred passion and death of thy only Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.