Prayer Before Mass (St. Ambrose)

I draw near, loving Lord Jesus Christ, to the table of your most delightful banquet in fear and trembling, a sinner, presuming not upon my own merits, but trusting rather in your goodness and mercy. I have a heart and body defiled by my many offences, a mind and tongue over which I have kept no good watch. Therefore, O loving God, O awesome Majesty, I turn in my misery, caught in dangers, to you the fount of mercy; to you I hasten for healing, under your protection I take refuge; and I long to have as Saviour the one whom I cannot face as Judge. To you, O Lord, I show my wounds; to you I uncover my shame. Amen.