You most likely know that the word “Eucharist” comes from a Greek word for “Thanksgiving.” In the Eucharistic celebration, we give God thanks and praise for all of creation. Within the structure of the Mass, we name the high point of the Mass the “Eucharistic Prayer.” It is the Great Prayer of Thanksgiving prayed to God through Christ in the Holy Spirit. It may be the most enigmatic part of the Mass.
Eucharistic Prayers are sometimes prayed in a mechanical style at a pace that seems to be racing toward the finish line. The prayers are lengthy, we’ve heard some of them dozens of times, and it can be easy to let our minds drift. How can we help ourselves more actively participate in this important prayer?
Participating by listening isn’t always easy. I have to make a concrete intention to listen attentively at Mass. Active listening is a skill that can be learned. It involves concentration and understanding.
One thing that helped me was looking into the meaning and purpose of the sections of the Eucharistic Prayer. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal #78-79 goes through the 8 elements that make up the prayer. You can find this information online or in my book, Participation of the Heart. Having an intellectual understanding of the prayer allows me to break the prayer into smaller units and to follow along in my head better.
There is also a spiritual component that requires “homework.” I use the Eucharistic Prayers in my personal prayer, meditating on them carefully, one sentence at a time, and seeing if a word or phrase strikes me in any way. Using the texts for private prayer brings deeper meaning when I hear them prayed at Mass.
We also participate by singing the 3 acclamations of the Eucharistic Prayer, the Holy, Memorial Acclamation, and the Amen. Sing with affirmation and enthusiasm. Then, the priest in words and the assembly in singing and listening must take great care as we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving to the Lord in the Eucharistic Prayer.