Introduction: Why Sunday Morning Prayer Matters
Thank God for Sunday mornings! Yes, Sunday’s have a completely different rhythm and feel. Most weeks, we are rushing to get everyone dressed and out the door for Mass. Occasionally, we attend Saturday Mass, which allows for a slower paced Sunday morning, enjoying a day of rest.
Either way, Sundays aren’t just another day on the calendar. It is the Lord’s Day — the day Jesus rose from the dead, the day the Church gathers in worship, the day that sets the tone for the week ahead. Pope Saint John Paul II said, “Sunday is the day of faith. It is the day of the Risen Lord and of the gift of the Spirit, the true weekly Easter.”
So, indeed, prayer on Sunday morning is more than a nice idea. It is the intentional act of placing God first, before the business of family schedules, errands, and the hectic nature of life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that Sunday is the “primordial holy day of obligation” (CCC 2177), the heartbeat of our Christian life. And just like the Church teaches, the best way to live it well is by beginning it in prayer.
That’s where Sunday morning prayers come in. These prayers aren’t about checking off a box — they’re about opening your heart to God, thanking Him for the gift of another week, and preparing to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
Below are 3 prayers and blessings you can weave into your Sunday mornings. A prayer before Mass, a prayer after Mass and one extra for good measure.
1. The Morning Offering
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings
of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart,
in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world,
in reparation for my sins,
for the intentions of all my relatives and friends,
and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.
2. Prayer of Saint Ambrose (Before Mass)
Lord Jesus Christ,
I approach your banquet table in fear and trembling,
for I am a sinner,
and dare not rely on my own worth,
but only on your goodness and mercy.
I am defiled by many sins in body and soul,
and by my unguarded thoughts and words.
Gracious God of majesty and awe,
I seek your protection,
I look for your healing.
Poor troubled sinner that I am,
I appeal to you, the fountain of all mercy.
I cannot bear your judgment,
but I trust in your salvation.
Lord, I show my wounds to you and uncover my shame before you.
I know my sins are many and great,
and they fill me with fear,
but I hope in your mercies,
for they cannot be numbered.
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal king, God and man,
crucified for mankind,
look upon me with mercy and hear my prayer,
for I trust in you.
Have mercy on me,
full of sorrow and sin,
for the depth of your compassion never ends.
Praise to you, saving sacrifice,
offered on the wood of the cross for me and for all mankind.
Praise to the noble and precious blood,
flowing from the wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ and
washing away the sins of the whole world.
Remember, Lord your creature,
whom you have redeemed with your blood;
I repent my sins,
and I long to put right what I have done. Merciful Father, take away all
my offenses and sins;
purify me in body and soul,
and make me worthy to taste the holy of holies.
May your body and blood,
which I intend to receive, although I am unworthy,
be for me the remission of my sins,
the washing away of my guilt,
the end of my evil thoughts,
and the rebirth of my better instincts.
May it incite me to do the works pleasing to you and profitable to my health in body and soul,
and be a firm defense against the wiles of my enemies. Amen.
3. Anima Christi Prayer to the Most Holy Redeemer (After Mass)
Soul of Christ, make me holy.
Body of Christ, be my salvation.
Blood of Christ, let me drink your wine.
Water flowing from the side of Christ, wash me clean.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
Kind Jesus, hear my prayer.
Hide me within your wound and keep me close to you.
Defend me from the evil enemy.
Call me at my death to the fellowship of your saints,
That I may sing your praise with them
through all eternity. Amen.
Conclusion: Let our Sundays Begin with Prayer
Prayer has the power to transform our Sunday from routine into renewal – something that we so desperately need in our busy world.
These Sunday morning prayers — whether traditional or original — are tools for drawing us closer to God and remembering that every Sunday is a gift. God knows that we need rest and prayer. There is no better time to reconnect with God through prayer than on Sunday morning.
