Where does this prayer come from?

It appears in Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, a Project Gutenberg public-domain ebook in the United States.

Prayer Before Partaking of the Holy Sacrament — The Clementine Liturgy

Q: Can I pray this for someone else?

Yes. Adapt the pronouns or insert the person’s name while preserving the substance of the prayer.

Original prayer

Prayer Before Partaking of the Holy Sacrament

O God, who art great, great in name and counsel, powerful in Thy works, the God and Father of Thy Holy Son Jesus, our Saviour, look upon us, Thy flock, which Thou hast chosen through Him to the glory of Thy Name; sanctify us in body and soul, and grant that we, being purified from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, may partake of the mystic blessings now going before Thee, and judge none of us unworthy of them, but be Thou our Supporter, our Helper, and Defender, through Thy Christ, with whom glory, honour, laud, praise, thanksgiving, be to Thee and the Holy Ghost forever.

Amen.

Direct answer

What this prayer is for

This prayer is for forgiveness, forgiveness, pardon. It gives the request old words: fewer tricks, more flame.

forgivenessForgivenessPardon

Use cases

Pray this when you’re asking for

forgiveness, forgiveness, pardon
mercy that is stronger than your mood
faithfulness when your own words are thin
God’s help for someone you are carrying in prayer

Short version

A shorter way to pray it

Lord, hear this ancient prayer for forgiveness, forgiveness, pardon. Give mercy, strength, and a heart made faithful before Thee. Amen.

Meaning

What this prayer means

This prayer comes from the ancient church’s habit of asking directly: for mercy, for holiness, for protection, for light. It does not perform spirituality. It reaches for God.

Use it as written, or let it become a frame for the person and need in front of you.

Personalize it

Pray it for yourself or someone else

For myself

Lord, hear this prayer in me: forgiveness, forgiveness, pardon.

For a friend

Lord, remember [Name]. Give them forgiveness, forgiveness, pardon.

For a group

Lord, grant us together forgiveness, forgiveness, pardon, and keep us faithful before Thee.

FAQ

Questions about this prayer

What is this prayer for?

It is for forgiveness, forgiveness, pardon.

Where does it come from?

It appears in Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, available through Project Gutenberg.

Can I pray this for someone else?

Yes. Change the pronouns or add a name, while keeping the heart of the prayer intact.