A Server’s Prayer

I was talking with a parent recently about altar servers and recalled that before I served mass as a young man we had posted in the sacristy a prayer that we were supposed to recite both before and after mass. I haven’t seen this done anywhere else and I know it often centered me. I still say them as best I can remember them before I attend mass, especially when I lector or do a reflection or am an extraordinary minister of the eucharist.

I tried to recall both from memory so here’s my best shot. If anyone can remember where they came from, please let me know. I can’t seem to find them anywhere. I still love these prayers although the first one seems a bit penitent in places. Yet for young people maybe that’s kind of good.

A Server’s Prayer Before Mass
Open my mouth, O’ Lord
To Bless Your Holy Name
Cleanse my heart of all evil
And distracting thoughts
Enlighten my understanding
Enflame my will
That I may serve worthily at your Holy Altar

O Mary, Mother of Christ the High Priest
Obtain for me the important grace
Of knowing my vocation in life.
Grant me a true spirit of faith, and humble obedience
So I may ever behold the priest as the representative of Christ
And willingly follow him in the way and the truth and the life of Christ Amen.

I really love this prayer.

A Server’s Prayer After Mass
O Lord Jesus Christ, eternal high priest
I thank you for the privilege
of having served at your Holy Altar.

Now as I put aside the garments of that service
I ask that I may at all times think of you.
May I ever seek you and find you
May I always follow you.

Ever ready in your service may
I always come to do your will
in all things.

And by your grace
persevere until the end. Amen.

If anyone knows the author, I’d like to give them credit. So comment away.

Also, do you have an altar boy or altar girl story that you’d like to share? Send them on over. I’ll be sharing some of my favorites this week.