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Home , Anamnesis (Christianity), Blood of Christ, Doxology, Epiclesis, Sanctus

The Structure of the Eucharistic Prayer (I)

Preface The opening dialogue gathers the and the assembly Gathering Dialogue together in the shared work of the prayer

Preface The Preface names the particular reason for this celebration - a particular saving work of , or sometimes the memory of what God’s grace has achieved in one of his . Reason for The prayer of the on earth, is joined with the prayer Thanksgiving of the Church in heaven.

Thanksgiving The thanksgiving began in the Preface, and continues in this first section after the Sanctus.

First The is called down on the of bread and wine of to transform them into the Body and of Christ. the Holy Spirit (‘Epiclesis’ is from the Greek for call down on)

Institution An account of the , including the words by which Narrative instituted this rite, commanding that it be done by the Church in memory of him. Although the whole of the prayer has a consecratory function, it is these words in particular that are seen as bringing about the of the gifts of bread and wine.

Memorial The Assembly joins in professing the , the Remembering Acclamation saving events of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. Each of the acclamations, in their different way, name those events, name their present reality and name the glory that is still to come.

Anamnesis The memory of the saving death and resurrection of Christ is once more the focus of the prayer. (‘’ is from the Greek for remembering or memorial)

Invocation of Second The Holy Spirit is invited to come upon the Church and to the Holy Spirit Epiclesis unite her more fully with Christ.

Intercession The needs of the Church and the world, of the living and the Intercession dead, are prayed for.

Doxology The whole of the prayer is directed to the Father, through the Son and in the Spirit. That direction of our prayer is made explicit in the . (‘Doxology’ is from the Greek for Praise words of praise and glory)

Amen The assembly puts its seal on the prayer with the Great . (‘Amen’ is a Hebrew word meaning ‘So be it’ or ‘It is so’.)

This is one of a series of resources for At Your Word, Lord produced by the Office, 39 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PL. © 2005 ’ Conference of England and Wales. www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/AYWL It may be reproduced freely for non-commercial use. The Structure of the Eucharistic Prayer (II)

Gathering Reason for Thanksgiving Invocation of Remembering Invocation of Intercession Praise the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit The Lord be Father, it is our duty and our , On the night he was betrayed, Look with favour on May he make us an everlasting Through him, with you. always and everywhere And so, Father, we he took bread and gave you thanks and your Church's to you with him, in And also with to give you thanks bring you these gifts. praise. offering, and enable us to share in the him, you. through Jesus Christ our Lord. We ask you to make He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples and see the Victim inheritance of your saints, in the unity of Lift up your them holy by the and said: whose death has with Mary the virgin Mother of the Holy hearts. His fast of forty days power of your Spirit, 'Take this, all of you, and eat it: reconciled us to God; Spirit, We lift them makes this a holy season of self denial. that they may become this is my body which will be given up for yourself. with the apostles, the martyrs, all glory and up to the By rejecting the devil’s temptations the body and blood you.' Grant that we who are and all your saints on whose honour is Lord. he has taught us of your Son, our Lord nourished by his constant intercession we rely for yours, Let us give to rid ourselves of the hidden corruption of Jesus Christ, When supper was ended he took the cup. body and blood, help. almighty thanks to the evil, at whose command we Again he gave you thanks and praise, may be filled with his Lord, may this sacrifice which has Father, for Lord our and so to share his paschal meal in purity of celebrate this gave the cup to his disciples and said: Holy Spirit, made our peace with you, ever and ever. God. heart, . 'Take this all of you and drink from it: and become one body, advance the peace and salvation of Amen. It is right to until we come to its fulfilment this is the cup of my blood, one spirit in Christ. all the world. give him in the promised land of heaven. the blood of the new and everlasting Strengthen in faith and love your thanks and covenant. pilgrim Church on earth; praise. Now we join the and the saints It will be shed for you and for all your servant, Pope John Paul, as they sing their unending of praise: so that sins may be forgiven. Cormac our , and all the Do this in memory of me.' bishops Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and with the clergy and the entire might, Let us proclaim : people your Son has gained for heaven and earth are full of your glory, Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will you. in the highest. come again. Father, hear the prayers Blessed is he who comes in the name of the of the family you have gathered Lord. Father, calling to mind here before you. Hosanna in the highest. the death your Son endured for our In mercy and love unite all your salvation, children wherever they may be. Father, you are holy indeed, his glorious resurrection and ascension into and all creation rightly gives you praise. heaven, Welcome into your kingdom our All life, all holiness comes from you and ready to greet him when he comes departed brothers and sisters, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, again, and all who have left this world in by the working of the Holy Spirit. we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and your friendship. From age to age you gather a people to living sacrifice. We hope to enjoy for ever the yourself, vision of your glory, so that from east to west through Christ our Lord, from a perfect offering may be made whom all good things come. to the glory of your name. Excerpts from the © 1973 International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. This is one of a series of resources for At Your Word, Lord produced by the Liturgy Office, 39 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PL. © 2005 Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/AYWL It may be reproduced freely for non-commercial use.