Prayer After Mass

(of St. Thomas Aquinas) Lord, Father all-powerful and ever-living God, I thank Thee, for even though I am a sinner, Thine unprofitable servant, not because of any merit of my own, but in the kindness of Thy mercy, Thou hast fed me with the precious Body and Blood of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that this Holy Communion may not bring me condemnation and punishment but forgiveness and salvation. May it be an armor of faith and a shield of good will. May it purify me from my vices and put an end to my evil passions. May it bring me charity and patience, humility and obedience, and growth in every virtue. May it be a firm defense against the wiles of all my enemies, visible and invisible, and the perfect quieting of all my evil impulses, bodily and spiritual. May it unite me more closely to Thee, the one true God, and lead me safely through death to everlasting happiness with Thee. And I pray that Thou will lead me, a sinner, to that ineffable banquet where Thou, with Thy Son and Holy Spirit, art to Thy Saints true light, total fulfillment, everlasting joy, and perfect happiness. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (attributed to Pope Clement XI) Lord, I believe in Thee: may I believe more strongly. I trust in Thee: may I hope more confidently. I love Thee: may I love Thee more ardently. I am sorry for my sins: may I have a deeper sorrow. I adore Thee as my first beginning. I long for Thee as my last end. I praise Thee as my constant benefactor. I invoke Thee as my gracious protector. Guide me by Thy wisdom, restrain me with Thy justice, comfort me with Thy mercy, protect me with Thy power. I offer Thee, Lord, my thoughts, that they may rise to Thee; my words, that they may speak of Thee; my actions, that they may follow Thy Will; my sufferings, that they may be borne for Thee. I want to do what Thou will, because Thou will it, in the way Thou will it, for as long as Thou will it. I beg of Thee, Lord, to enlighten my understanding, to inflame my will, to purify my heart, and to sanctify my soul. I beg Thee that pride may not infect me; that neither flattery may affect me, nor the world deceive me; and that the devil may not trap me in his snares. Grant me the grace to purify my memory, to guard my tongue, to take custody of my eyes, and to mortify my senses. May I weep for my past sins, resist future temptations, correct my evil inclinations, and cultivate the virtues I should have. O God, grant that I may love Thee and despise myself, have love for my neighbor, and contempt for the world. May I strive to obey my superiors, assist those under me, be attentive to my friends, and forgiving of my enemies. May I conquer sensuality with austerity, greed with generosity, anger with meekness, and tepidity with fervor. Make me prudent in my decisions, steadfast in dangers, patient in adversity, and humble in prosperity. O Lord, make me attentive at prayer, temperate at my meals, diligent in my duties, and firm in my resolutions. May my conscience be pure, my exterior modest, my conversation edifying, and my life well-ordered. May I be ever-watchful in mastering my natural impulses, corresponding to Thy grace, keeping Thy law, and obtaining salvation. May I obtain holiness through a sincere confession of my sins, a devout reception of the Body of Christ, a continual recollection of spirit, and a pure intention of heart. May I learn from Thee the nothingness of this world, the greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, and the length of eternity. Grant that I may prepare for death, fear Thy judgment, escape hell, and obtain heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.