About the Mass series Vol 2: Prayer After Communion

 ABOUT THE MASS SERIES

The Mass: About the Mass Series Icon.

‘PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION’.

 

The desire to express verbally the effects of the Eucharist gave rise the presidential prayer after the communion. First appearing in the fifth century, and arranged in the manner of the Collect, it was called the “prayer at the conclusion” since it ended the Eucharistic celebration.  It was also known as the Prayer after Communion or the Post-Communion.

 

Just as the number of collects multiplied during the Middle Ages, so a corresponding series of post-communion commemorations were prayed at most celebrations. 

Today only one prayer, known as the prayer after communion serves to conclude the communion rite.

 

In this prayer, the priest petitions for the effects of the mystery just celebrated and by their acclamation, Amen, we, as the congregation, make the prayer our own.  Then standing at the altar or at the presidential chair and facing the congregation, the priest says with hand outstretched: ‘Let us pray’. There is then a brief silence then he recites the prayer.  

 

The prayer after communion is not a prayer of thanksgiving, since this is the nature of the Eucharistic prayer.  It is a prayer asking for the spiritual effects or fruits of the Eucharist.

There is no need for a verbal direction to stand up because it is inherent in the opening invitation to prayer. When the priest says: ‘Let us pray’ with the gesture of arms outstretched, it indicates that he is greeting us in the name of Christ.

 

When our lives are hectic or we are troubled or busy, we may find that the prayer after communion can be a good source of reflection. It may help us to live the life of faith we have professed at Mass the previous Sunday, since we have been strengthened by Christ himself

 PURPOSE AND STRUCTURE

When we are at Mass, our minds can wander or we can be distracted by others in the congregation with all the bests of intentions of staying focused.  Understanding the purpose and structure of the Prayer After Communion may help us pick up on these various elements and make it our own prayer.

 

The Prayer After Communion is an important concluding prayer in the Catholic Mass, offered by the celebrant after the faithful have received the Eucharist. It reflects on the significance of the sacrament, asks for God's grace to bring about its fruits in the lives of the communicants, and helps transition from the sacramental act to daily life. Here's a deeper look into its significance and context:

 

1. Purpose and Structure:

   Thanksgiving: The prayer typically expresses gratitude to God for the gift of the Eucharist, acknowledging the spiritual nourishment and sanctification received through Christ's body and blood.

 

Petition for Fruits of Communion: The prayer often asks for strength to live according to the grace received and to become more closely united with Christ.

 

 

Transition to Mission: It encourages the faithful to carry out the mission of living out their Christian vocation in daily life, emphasizing the Eucharist as the source of strength for service and love in the world.

 

2. Historical Development:

 In the early Church, the liturgical prayers immediately following Communion were less formalized than today. As the liturgy developed, certain fixed prayers emerged in both the Eastern and Western rites. By the time of the **Tridentine Mass** (the form of the Roman Rite Mass codified after the Council of Trent in the 16th century), the **Postcommunion** prayer became a standard feature.

 

   In the Tridentine Mass, there was usually only one **Postcommunion** prayer, reflecting the theme of the Mass or feast day. Following the reforms of Vatican II (1960s), the **Prayer After Communion** was adapted to allow for more variation based on the liturgical season and specific feast days. These prayers are part of the **Proper of the Mass**, meaning they change depending on the day or celebration.

 

3. Modern Liturgical Role:

   In the current **Ordinary Form of the Mass** (the post-Vatican II form), the Prayer After Communion is still prayed by the priest, often standing at the altar or chair. After a period of silent reflection, the priest prays aloud on behalf of the people. It serves as the final prayer before the Concluding Rite.

 

4. Examples of Prayers:

   The prayers vary according to the liturgical calendar, but some common themes include:

  Spiritual Nourishment: Asking that the reception of the Eucharist strengthens faith and enables a deeper participation in Christ's love.

  Unity and Peace: Seeking unity among the faithful and peace in the Church and the world.

 Holiness and Perseverance:: Praying for strength to persevere in the Christian life and grow in holiness.

 

 5. Personal Prayer After Communion:

 While the priest leads the formal prayer after Communion, the faithful are also encouraged to engage in personal thanksgiving prayers. These can be spontaneous or derived from traditional prayers, like St. Thomas Aquinas' "Prayer of Thanksgiving after Communion" or Anima Christi ("Soul of Christ, sanctify me...").

 

In essence, the Prayer After Communion connects the Eucharistic celebration with the broader call of living a holy, grace-filled life, offering a formal conclusion to the sacred encounter with Christ in the Eucharist while inviting ongoing transformation.

It is a wonderful opportunity to ask Jesus to help us ‘set our spiritual goals’ for the week so that we are energised by our worship and make it living and active in our lives.