13. Structure of the Opening Prayer

Generally, the structure of the Mass prayer begins with a salutation. When you say, "Father," he is listening to you. With God, there is always a willing audience. There is also thanks, commonly for some past gift or action. After thanking him, it is customary to ask God for something. Then it ends, "Through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . ." He is the one through whom our prayer receives its efficacy.

On Sundays and upon other festive occasions, the Gloria is also sung or recited. It follows a Trinitarian format as well. We open ourselves up for the Liturgy of the Word. It requires both remote preparation (on our own) and immediate (as a community) to be well disposed for the readings.