Eucharistic Prayer III
Father, you are holy indeed, and all creation rightly gives
you praise. All life, all holiness comes from you through your Son, Jesus
Christ our Lord, by the working of the Holy Spirit. From age to age you gather
a people to yourself, so that from east to west a perfect offering may be
made to the glory of your name.
And so, Father, we bring you these gifts. We ask you to make them holy
by the power of your Spirit, that they may become the body and blood of your
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whose command we celebrate this eucharist.
On the night he was betrayed, he took bread and gave you thanks and praise.
He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:
Take this, all of you, and eat it: this is my body which will be given
up for you.
When supper was ended, he took the cup. Again he gave you thanks and praise,
gave the cup to his disciples, and said:
Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my blood,
the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and
for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: [Acclamation]
Father, callling to mind the death your Son endured for our salvation, his
glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven, and ready to greet him when
he comes again, we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.
Look with favor on your Church's offering, and see the Victim whose death
has reconciled us to yourself. Grant that we, who are nourished by his body
and blood, may be filled with his Holy Spirit, and become one body, one spirit
in Christ. May be make us an everlasting gift to you and enable us to share
in the inheritance of your saints, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God, with
the apostles, the martyrs, and all your saints, on whose constant intercession
we rely for help.
Lord, may this sacrifice, which has made our peace wiht you, advance the
peace and salvation of all the world. Stengthen in faith and love your pilgrim
Church on earth; your servant, Pope John Paul, our Bishop, Joseph, and all
the bishops, with the clergy and the entire people your son has gathered
here before you. Inmercy and love unite all you children wherever they may
be. Welcome into your kingdom our departed brothers and sisters, and all
who have left this world in your friendship. We hope to enjoy for ever the
vision of your glory, through Christ our Lord, from whom all good things
come.
Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory
and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. Amen.