So people keep asking me what's so great about the 1998 Sacramentary that was consigned to the dustbin–though thanks to the Internet it is still available for as long as we have electricity and an internet connection. So here is the opening prayer from Mass you could have heard.
Almighty God,
strengthen the resolve of your faithful people
to prepare for the coming of your Christ
by works of justice and mercy,
so that when we go forth to meet him
he may call us to sit at his right hand
and possess the kingdom of heaven.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Here is what you heard:
Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God,
the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ
with righteous deeds at his coming,
so that, gathered at his right hand,
they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Now which one sounds like better English?
Then again, you might have heard this prayer, which was composed in English and inspired by the readings of the day, and approved by all the English-speaking bishops conferences.
Rend the heavens and come down,
O God of all the ages!
Rouse us from sleep,
deliver us from our heedless ways,
and form us into a watchful people,
that, at the advent of your Son,
he may find us doing what is right,
mindful of all you command.
Grant this through him whose coming is certain,
whose day draws near:
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Nice, right? I like the last one best, the first one second-best, and the middle one not really at all. But I will say we almost had a really great sacramentary, though not the one we ended up with.
Anybody want the 1998 prayers for next Sunday? For study purposes only, of course.
