The Guild Prayer

O God, you accept our ministry and allow us to serve at your alter; grant that while serving you we follow the example of our Patron, St Stephen, the first martyr, and that we may, like him, come to see Jesus standing at your right hand in the kingdom of heaven. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen.

Alternative prayer in honour of St Stephen

Help us, we pray you Lord, to imitate St Stephen, your deacon, whom we venerate as the patron of our Guild. May we serve the Church with the same dedication and learn to love our enemies just as he prayed for those who persecuted him. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers before serving

• Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

V. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.

R. And you shall renew the face of the earth.

O God, to whom every heart is open, every desire known and from whom no secrets are hidden; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the help of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, faithfully serve you, and worthily praise your Holy Name. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

• O Lord, I have many interesting things that I would to do today, but please help me to remember that I am assisting at this Mass. Help me to understand that if I serve with dignity and reverence it will help the people to pray; if I serve poorly it will distract them. Help me to serve well in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
• Father in heaven, free us from all wrong and distracting thoughts; help us to understand what we are about to do; and make us always eager to give of ourselves, that we may come worthily to your holy altar. Amen.

Prayers after serving

• We give you thanks Lord, for calling us to serve you. Strengthen our loyalty and keep us faithful to you, so that we may enjoy your friendship for ever. Amen.
• O Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you for the privilege of having served at your Alter. Now, as I leave the church I ask that I may never forget that you are with me, wherever I may go. Amen.

Prayers for vocations

• Father of us all, your Spirit calls us to serve each other in the Church. Help us to discover what you want each of us to do for you, and give us the strength to do it, now and throughout our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
• Lord Jesus Christ, grant the grace of a priestly and religious vocation to many. Inspire young people to dedicate their love, strength and work to you. Bless all those who by their generous prayers and sacrifices help God’s future priests and religious. Amen.
• God our Father, you sent your Son, Jesus into this world and he in turn through the Holy Spirit sent the apostles to continue your work. We ask you to choose priests, brothers and sisters who will willingly give their lives in your service. We make this prayer through Christ the Lord. Amen.

Taken from St Stephens Handbook for Altar Servers, Copyright Archconfraternity of St Stephen.