Following the invitation to the assembly to “Pray that my sacrifice and yours be acceptable…” we stand for the Prayer over the Offerings. Once again our standing posture indicates this prayer is from the entire assembly, even though only the priest is actually praying the words. The general sentiments of these Prayers over the Offerings ask God to accept the gifts of bread and wine we have just prepared on the altar, and to transform them into the Body and Blood of His Son. Sometimes the prayers will also ask for graces for us who offer them, such as helping us to “participate worthily in the mysteries” we are about to celebrate or that our offering may become for us “the source of eternal reward.” Note that while this part of the Mass (Preparation of Gifts) is often commonly referred to as the “Offertory,” this is actually inaccurate. While we do bring forward (offer) our gifts of bread, wine, food for the poor and money to sustain the ministry of our parish, these gifts are simply being gathered and “prepared” for the actual offertory which happens a little later during the Eucharistic Prayer itself. Following the consecration, we offer Christ’s Body and Blood back to the Father, along with ourselves and all that we bring to that particular celebration of Mass. With the conclusion of this prayer, we have completed the Preparation of the Gifts and are now ready to begin the great Eucharistic Prayer.