Vesting Prayers

Last October, I wrote a Daily Word on the vestments our Clergy wear and discovered prayers that coincide with vesting.

Although prayers may be optional now, some clergy still pray to remind themselves of the sacredness of their actions during the service. It is also customary for the prayer on page 833 in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), 64. Before Worship, may be said instead.

At washing the hands

Cleanse my hand, O Lord, from all stain, that pure in mind and body, I may be worthy to serve Thee^[1].

While putting on the Amice

Place, O Lord, the helmet of Salvation upon my head to repel the assaults of the Devil.

As the amice is placed over the priest’s head and shoulders, the prayer is meant to protect them from all assaults of the Evil One^[2].

While putting on the Alb

Cleanse me, O Lord, and purify my heart, that, being made white in the Blood of the Lamb, I may attain everlasting joy.

(A note regarding the number of buttons on some black cassocks that I found interesting. The color black symbolizes death to the world, ordinarily has 33 buttons down the front, one for each year of Our Lord’s life, and can have five buttons on the sleeve for each of the five wounds of Christ on the Cross^[3].)

While putting on the Girdle

Gird me, O Lord, with the girdle of purity and quench in me the fire of concupiscence, that the grace of temperance and chastity may abide in me.

While putting on the Stole

Give me again, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which I lost by the transgression of my first parents, and although I am unworthy to come unto Thy Holy Sacrament, grant that I may attain everlasting felicity.

While putting on the Chasuble

Lord, who hast said, My yoke is easy, and My burden is light, grant that I may so bear it, as to attain Thy grace. Amen.

With the hustle and bustle happening before our busy services, it is nice for the Clergy to have their moment of calm to reflect, reverently collect their thoughts and pray while vesting before leading the service. It is best that silence be observed in the sacristy and vesting area from the time that the priest and deacon begin to vest. Lastly, it is important for vestments to be straight so as not to distract worshipers during the service^[4].

[1] https://princeofpeacetaylors.org/explanation-of-the-vesting-prayers-before-mass/

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Howard E. Galley, The Ceremonies of the Eucharist, A Guide to Celebration (Lanham, Maryland: Roman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 1989), page 68