Most Valuable Item: The Roman Missal
February 18, 2010
Yesterday during mass, I had my old Latin missal with me. And actually read the prayers. Since I’ve been going to an English service, perhaps I haven’t personalized the prayers as much. Ironic. I know.
These prayers helped me articulate what I want for Lent.
Grant us, Lord, the grace to begin the Christian’s war of defence with holy fasts: that as we do battle with the spirits of evil, we may be protected by the help of self-denial. Through Christ our Lord.
Preface for Lent:
It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to Thee, holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God: Who by this bodily fast dost curb our vices, lift our minds, strength and rewards bestow; through Christ our Lord. …
At the end of the blessing of the ashes:
O God, who art moved by humiliation, incline the ear of Thy goodness to our prayers and mercifully pour forth upon the heads of Thy servants sprinkled with these ashes the grace of Thy blessing: that Thou mayest both fill them with the spirit of compunction (remorse), and effectually grant what they have justly prayed for: and ordain that what Thou has granted may be permanently established and remain unchanged. Through Christ our Lord.
Almighty and everlasting God, who didst vouchsafe Thy healing pardon to the Nenevites doing penance in sackcloth and ashes, mercifully grant that we may so imitate them in our outard attitude as to follow them in obtaining forgiveness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
