Prayer Before Mass and After Communion
Before Mass
My God, I believe that You are truly present in this church, and I adore You with all the fervor of my soul. I am about to take part in the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in which Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, offers Himself again for love of me, as He offered Himself on the Cross.
I believe this, my God, because You have said it, and I trust in Your promises, because You are faithful to Your word. I love You, O my Jesus, with my whole heart, and I am sorry for having offended You. Grant that I may take part worthily in this holy Mass, and offer it, in union with You, for my own intentions and for all those gathered here. Amen.
After Communion
I give You thanks, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, for feeding me, unworthy though I am, with the Body and Blood of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
May this Communion not be for my condemnation, but for my pardon and salvation. May it be an increase of faith, hope, and charity in me, a healing of my faults, and a firmer resolve to live as Your child. Let it draw me closer to You today, and every day. Amen.
About these prayers
These two short prayers are adapted from traditional prayers found in Catholic missals for generations, ways of bookending the Mass with real attention rather than letting it start and end on autopilot. The “before” prayer is an act of faith, naming plainly what is actually about to happen at the altar. The “after” prayer is an act of thanksgiving, holding onto that reality for a few more seconds instead of moving straight to the parking lot.
When to pray them
The first, quietly to yourself in the pew before Mass begins; the second, in the quiet minutes after receiving Communion, before the final blessing. Both are short enough to pray even with small children fidgeting beside you.