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.

I trust in you, O Lord. I trust in your great mercy.

Cleanse me from my sins and put a new heart and a new spirit within me, that I may worthily prepare for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

May your Body and Blood, which I intend to receive, though 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.

Before Mass: Prayer of St. Ambrose