The Prayer of Humble Access

From the Book of Common Prayer/Book of Divine Worship

The Prayer of Humble Access is used throughout much of the Anglican (Church of England), and has made its way to the Catholic Church via the Book of Divine Worship, which employed by "Anglican Use" parishes. The prayer sets the right spiritual tone for receiving communion and includes phrases and concepts from the Gospels of Mark and John, the traditional "Liturgy of Saint Basil," and the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Altar of Catholic Church

The Prayer of Humble Access

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies.

We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table.

But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy:

Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood,

That we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us.

Book of Common Prayer/Book of Divine Worship

 

Adapted by

Updated 08-06-2018