THE DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JAMES (1)

Priest: The divine liturgy begins with the priest praying for the grace of God, that he be purified to celebrate the holy mysteries:

O Sovereign Lord, our God and Savior, condemn me not, defiled with a multitude of sins: for I come unworthily to these Your divine and heavenly mysteries; counting only on Your goodness and great mercy.

And so, I raise my heart and voice to You: O God be merciful to me, a sinner!

I have sinned against Heaven, and against You, Father, and am unworthy to come into the presence of Your holy and spiritual table, upon which Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, is mystically set forth as a sacrifice, for me, a sinner stained with every sin.

Wherefore I present this supplication, together with my thanksgiving, asking that Your Spirit, the Comforter, may be sent down upon me now, strengthening and fitting me for this holy service.

Eternal Father, count me worthy to make known Your holy Word, delivered from You by me to Your people, in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom You are blessed, together with Your allholy, and good, and lifegiving, and consubstantial Spirit, now and ever, and for all eternity. Amen.