It is traditional for those who serve at God's altar that they say
special prayers as they don specific articles of liturgical attire.
The following prayers have been graciously provided by Bishop Lucas
Graywolf, bishop of the Diocese of Texas.
Washing the Hands
Cleanse my hands, O Lord, in thy strength, that I may so
render unto Thee a pure offering and a perfect work.
Amice
Place, O Lord, unto my head the helmet of salvation, that I
may overcome the assaults of the devil.
Alb
Purify me, O Lord, from all stain and cleanse my heart, that
washed in the Blood of the Lamb, I may enjoy eternal
delights.
Stole
(Kiss the cross at the center of the stole. Priests cross in
the middle). Restore to me, O Lord, the state of immortality which
was lost to me by my first parents, and although unworthy to
approach Thy sacred mysteries, grant me nevertheless eternal joy.
As a sign of his full priestly powers the bishop does not cross
the stole in front.)
Tying the girdle (cincture)
Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of purity, and quench in my
heart the fire of concupisence, that the virtue of continence and
chastity may remain in me.
Chasuble
O Lord, Who hast said, "My yoke is sweet and my burden is
light," grant that I may carry it so as to obtain Thy grace.
Maniple
(Hangs on the left forearm). Let me deserve, O Lord, to bear
the maniple of tears and sorrow, so that one day I may come with
joy into the rewards of my labors.
Preparatory Prayers (before the saying of the Holy
Mass)
Let no Priest or Bishop come to the Altar of the Lord without
asking for the full grace and authority of God, stating his
intentions to make present the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus
Christ.
