A listing of prayers and devotions to St. Ambrose for his powerful prayers and intercession. As Catholics, we believe in the intercession of the saints, who readily pray and assist us from Heaven.
St. Ambrose was a 4th-century bishop of Milan who became one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, despite starting his career as an unbaptized Roman governor. His rise to bishop came dramatically when, while trying to keep peace at a contentious episcopal election, the crowd suddenly acclaimed him as bishop, though he was only a catechumen preparing for baptism. He initially fled but eventually accepted, was baptized, and became bishop within a week. Known as a brilliant administrator and theologian, he famously stood up to emperors, including refusing Emperor Theodosius entry to church until he repented of a massacre. He was also instrumental in the conversion of St. Augustine, whom he baptized. As a writer and preacher, he helped develop the allegorical interpretation of Scripture and church music, composing hymns still used today. His symbol is the beehive, stemming from a legend that as an infant, a swarm of bees landed on his face and left behind a drop of honey, seen as a sign of his future eloquence. He is considered one of the four original Doctors of the Church and is the patron saint of beekeepers, candlemakers, and Milan. His feast day is December 7th.
“A Prayer Before Mass”, which was composed by St. Ambrose, is a profound act of humility and preparation that helps Catholics approach the Holy Eucharist with proper reverence and contrition. This deeply spiritual prayer acknowledges our unworthiness before the majesty of God while expressing complete trust in His infinite mercy and compassion. Beginning with an honest examination of our sinful condition, the prayer moves through themes of repentance, trust in Christ’s saving sacrifice, and gratitude for His precious blood shed on the cross. The prayer concludes with a heartfelt petition that receiving Holy Communion may bring forgiveness, purification, spiritual renewal, and protection from evil, helping us to live lives pleasing to God and beneficial to our souls.
Lord, Jesus Christ, I approach your banquet table in fear and trembling, for I am a sinner, and dare not rely on my own worth but only on your goodness and mercy. I am defiled by many sins in body and soul, and by my unguarded thoughts and words.
Gracious God of majesty and awe, I seek your protection, I look for your healing, poor troubled sinner that I am, I appeal to you, the fountain of all mercy. I cannot bear your judgment, but I trust in your salvation.
Lord, I show my wounds to you and uncover my shame before you. I know my sins are many and great, and they fill me with fear, but I hope in your mercies, for they cannot be numbered.
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal King, God and man, crucified for mankind, look upon me with mercy and hear my prayer, for I trust in you. Have mercy on me, full of sorrow and sin, for the depth of your compassion never ends. Praise to you, saving sacrifice, offered on the wood of the cross for me and for all mankind. Praise to the noble and precious blood, flowing from the wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ and washing away the sins of the whole world.
Remember, Lord, your creature, whom you have redeemed with your blood. I repent my sins, and I long to put right what I have done.
Merciful Father, take away all my offenses and sins; purify me in body and soul, and make me worthy to taste the holy of holies. May your body and blood, which I intend to receive, although I am unworthy, be for me the remission of my sins, the washing away of my guilt, the end of my evil thoughts, and the rebirth of my better instincts. May it incite me to do the works pleasing to you and profitable to my health in body and soul, and be a firm defense against the wiles of my enemies. Amen.
