www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Origins of the Communion Prayer

Does anyone know the origins of the communion prayer said by the clergy and the faithful prior to reception?

"O Lord, I believe and profess..."

Many visitors are touched by this prayer and I would like to be able to explain its origins.

Many Years,

Gordo

Apparently the prayers, "I believe O Lord..." and the others are ascribed to Saint John Chrysostom. It is one on the many that are prescribed to be said in preparation for reception of the Eucharist. In current liturgical practice though, only the last four are said by the priest prior to receiving. I know in some practices, the priest and the congregation recite the prayers also before the laity receives.

I hope this is some help.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Dear Friends,

When I attended the Antiochian Western Rite conference here some years ago, this prayer was raised - it appears that the Patriarch of Antioch insisted his Western Rite charges include it in their western Liturgies!

The bishop present said this pointed to the particular care of and love for the Western rite that the Patriarch has for the Western Rite Orthodox.

Others whispered that it was blatant "Easternization . . ."

It was a fascinating experience that - the Western Rite Orthodox were actually deriding Eastern traditions (i.e. "icons with the big eyes") and evinced every bit of the "minority complex" that we EC's traditionally have with respect to the RC's!

Alex

There are major liturgical theologians that actually have problems with that prayer being recited on Sundays before Communion. It is penitential and thus really does not belong on Sundays anymore than kneeling does. The reasoning is (of course) because Sunday commemorates the Rising from the Dead of our Lord and Savior.

We have the "Judas Prayer" and it is not going to go away on Sundays because of its almost universal recitation. However, "Shine, Shine O New Jerusalem" is the liturgically more appropriate Communion Prayer for Sunday Liturgy.

Christ Is Among Us! Indeed He Is And Ever Shall Be!

Three Cents

I find this a beautiful experience.

"For the healing of soul and body".

The Eucharist is healing and we should take advantage of this opportunity as often as possible.

Thank you,

Jim