Prayers of a Deacon
In 1st Thessalonians, chapter 5:16-18, one will find the often-cited verse about prayer written by the Apostle Paul. The verse reads, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” The entire chapter 5 is rich and full of wisdom, instruction, and encouragement for us to apply daily in our lives.
As a newly ordained deacon, I can testify to the value of prayer. Prayer is essential for a healthy relationship with our Lord and has served as the cornerstone of everything we learned during the 5 plus years of diaconate formation. We are encouraged to spend at least an hour per day with our Lord in prayer.
In this article I want to share some of the silent prayers that the deacon employs prior to and during Mass, those of which may be unknown to the congregation.
VESTING PRAYERS
Except for hand washing, the following prayers are said in the vestry as the deacon vests prior to the start of Mass.
Washing of Hands.
Prayer: Give virtue, O Lord, to my hands, that every stain may be wiped away, that I may be enabled to serve you without defilement of mind or body.
The Amice is a white linen cloth worn on the neck and shoulders, and under the Alb.
Prayer: Place on my head, O Lord, the helmet of salvation that I may overcome the assaults of the devil.
The Alb is a full-length white linen ecclesiastical vestment with long sleeves that is gathered at the waist with a cincture.
Prayer: Purify me, O Lord, from all stain and cleanse my heart, that, washed in the Blood of the Lamb, I may enjoy eternal delights.
The Cincture is a cord or sash of cloth worn around an ecclesiastical vestment.
Prayer: Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of purity, and quench in my heart the fire of concupiscence, that the virtue of continence and chastity may remain in me.
The Stole is an ecclesiastical vestment consisting of a long (usually silk) band worn traditionally around the neck by bishops and priests and over the left shoulder by deacons.
Prayer: Restore to me, O Lord, the state of immortality, which was lost to me by my first parents, and, although unworthy to approach your sacred mysteries, grant me, nevertheless, eternal joy.
The Dalmatic is a wide-sleeved overgarment with slit sides worn by a deacon.
Prayer: Endow me, O Lord, with the garment of salvation, the vestment of joy, and with the dalmatic of justice, ever encompass me.
MASS PRAYERS
Following are the silent prayers said by the deacon during the Mass.
After proclaiming the Gospel, when the deacon kisses the book.
Prayer: Through the words of the gospel may our sins be forgiven.
During the mingling of the water and wine, the deacon prays silently,
Prayer: By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.
During the purifying of the vessels.
Prayer: What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what has been given to us in time may be our healing for eternity.
These are just some of the prayers that the deacon says. But prayer is not just for clergy. The Catholic faith is full of many beautiful prayers available for all of God’s faithful. No matter where we stand in our earthly journey, prayer is the food that feeds our faith, strengthens our resolve, and keeps us close to the Father. So, rejoice, give thanks, and let us pray…