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What are the prayers a priest says in secret (quietly) during Mass There are presidential prayers a priest prays with a loud and clear voice, but also personal prayers that he is required to pray during the mass in a low tone – often quietly.

The General Instruction to Roman Missal (GIRM) prompts the priest to celebrate mass with attentiveness and devotion. These prayers are said before the priest proclaims the Gospel, during the preparation of gifts or offertory, during the preparation for Holy Communion, and the purification of sacred vessels. The instruction is to pray these quietly, not intended for those assembled but for the priest’s benefit and that of his ministry throughout the Mass.

The Private Prayers of the Priest

Before Proclaiming the Gospel: When a deacon is not present, the priest will bow before the altar, quietly saying: Cleanse my heart and lips, almighty God, that I may worthily proclaim the Gospel.

After Proclaiming the Gospel: At the end of the Gospel, after the congregation responds, the priest (or deacon) kisses the book and quietly says: Through the words of the Gospel, may our sins be wiped away.

During the Offertory: The priest or deacon pours wine and a little water into the chalice. While doing this sacred action, they silently say: 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.

Before Washing his Hands: After the bread and wine are prepared, and before washing the hands, the priest bows profoundly and prays: With humble spirit and contrite heart may we be accepted by you, O Lord, and may our sacrifice in your sight this day be pleasing to you, Lord God. These actions are so quick; you may not realize what the priest is doing.

As the Priest Washes his Hands: The priest prays: Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. The altar servers, and sometimes the congregation, may hear these words from Psalm 51.

After the Sign of Peace is the Fraction Rite: The priest takes the host, breaks it over the paten, and drops a small piece of it in the chalice, saying: May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.

After the Invocation of Lamb of God: The priest joins his hands and quietly prays one of two prayers. The one most commonly prayed is: May the receiving of your Body and Blood, Lord Jesus Christ, not bring me to judgment and condemnation, but through your loving mercy be for me protection in mind and body and a healing remedy.

Before Consuming the Body and Blood of Christ: The people respond: Lord, I am not worthy… Then the priest will pray: May the Body of Christ keep me safe for eternal life, then consumes the Body of Christ. Similarly, the priest will say: May the Blood of Christ keep me safe for eternal life, then consumes the Blood of Christ.

As the Priest (or deacon) purifies the Sacred Vessels: The priest carries out the purification, quietly saying: 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. After these words, the priest returns to his chair to observe sacred silence.

These prayers help inspire priests to celebrate each part of the Mass with purpose and devotion. And for the rest of us -- to appreciate that every action has a meaningful prayer attached to it.