In liturgical use the termpreface is a formal thanksgiving that immediately precedes (or forms part of) theCanon,Eucharistic Prayer, Prayer of Consecration or analogous portion of theEucharist (Holy Communion,Mass orDivine Liturgy).[1] The preface, which begins at the words, "It is very meet and just, right and salutary" (or a variation thereof) is ushered in, in allliturgies, with theSursum corda ("Lift up your hearts") and ends with theSanctus ("Holy, Holy, Holy").
In mostWestern liturgies,proper prefaces are appointed for particular occasions. In the variousEastern liturgies there is great variation. Among those who follow theRite of Constantinople the audible portion of the preface does not change, but the silent prayer said by the priest will differ depending upon whether it is theLiturgy of St. John Chrysostom or theLiturgy of St. Basil the Great. Among theOriental Orthodox Churches the preface will take different forms, depending upon theliturgical rite or the particularfeast day.[citation needed]
In the1662Book of Common Prayer, the preface omits theDominus vobiscum ("The Lord be with you") and is in the form:[2]
Then theSanctus is said or sung. In more modern orders of service, it is common for theDominus vobiscum to introduce theSursum corda.
InMethodism, the preface opens as follows, in accordance with theBook of Worship:
In theByzantine Rite, the preface opens with the following:
| Greek original | English translation[3] | |
|---|---|---|
| Deacon | Ἂς σταθοῦμε καλά· ἂς σταθοῦμε μὲ φόβο· ἂς προσέξουμε νὰ προσφέρωμε τὴν ἁγία ἀναφορὰ μὲ εἰρήνη. | Let us stand well; let us stand with fear; let us attend, that we may offer the Holy Oblation in peace. |
| People | Εἰρηνικὴ ἡ ἀγάπη μας, δοξαστικὴ ἡ θυσία μας. | A mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise. |
| Priest | Ἡ χάρη τοῦ Κυρίου μας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατέρα, καὶ ἡ ἑνότητα τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος ἂς εἶναι μὲ ὅλους σας. | The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. |
| People | Καὶ μὲ τὸ πνεῦμα σου. | And with thy spirit. |
| Priest | Ἂς ὑψώσουμε πρὸς τὸ Θεὸ τὶς καρδιές μας. | Let us lift up our hearts. |
| People | Ἔχομε τὴν καρδιά μας στραμμένη στὸ Θεό. | We lift them up unto the Lord. |
| Priest | Ἂς εὐχαριστήσουμε τὸν Κύριο. | Let us give thanks unto the Lord. |
| People | Ἀξίζει καὶ πρέπει. | It is meet and right. |
| (to worship the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity one in essence and undivided.) |
InLutheran liturgies, the preface has many different translations that can be used in theDivine Service. The following is a common form:[4]
In theRoman Rite, the preface opens with the following:
The current English translation has:
There are a wide variety of proper prefaces for every mass, depending on the missal used. As an example, a preface appointed for masses in thefirst Sunday in Advent is:[5]
In English:
