After the prayer of ordination, the new priest’s hands are anointed with sacred chrism, the hands that will consecrate the Eucharist, baptize, absolve and anoint the sick. Many new priests give the cloth used to wipe their hands to their mother, who is traditionally buried holding it.
Historical Context
A Prayer for a Man About to Be Ordained
Lord Jesus, eternal High Priest,
you have called (name) to serve you as a priest.
Prepare his heart for the gift he’s about to receive.
Give him humility, joy and courage.
Make his hands holy for the altar,
his voice faithful to your Word,
and his heart generous to everyone he serves.
St John Vianney, pray for him.
Amen.
On Ordination Day
Holy Spirit, come down on your servant as the bishop lays on hands.
Fill him with your gifts, and keep him faithful until death.
Amen.
A New Priest’s Prayer
Lord, I’m not worthy of this, but you called me anyway.
Let me never get used to the Mass.
Make me a priest after your own heart.
Amen.
For Vocations
Lord of the harvest, send labourers into your harvest.
Call young men to the priesthood, and give them the courage to answer.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- In the weeks before an ordination.
- At the ordination Mass.
- On the anniversary of your priest’s ordination.
- On 4 August, St John Vianney.
Scripture Connection
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” — 2 Timothy 1:6
Paul reminds Timothy that his ordination wasn’t a one-time event. The gift given by the laying on of hands needs stirring up every day.
Related prayers
For priests, see the Prayer for Priests by St Therese. For deacons, the Deacon Prayer. For the Eucharist, the Holy Thursday Prayer.