Preface (liturgy)

In liturgical use the term preface is a formal thanksgiving that immediately precedes the Canon, Eucharistic Prayer, Prayer of Consecration or analogous portion of the Eucharist. The preface, which begins at the words, "It is very meet and just, right and salutary" is ushered in, in all liturgies, with the Sursum corda and ends with the Sanctus.
In most Western liturgies, proper prefaces are appointed for particular occasions. In the various Eastern liturgies there is great variation. Among those who follow the Rite of Constantinople the audible portion of the preface does not change, but the silent prayer said by the priest will differ depending upon whether it is the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom or the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. Among the Oriental Orthodox Churches the preface will take different forms, depending upon the liturgical rite or the particular feast day.

Anglican forms

In the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, the preface omits the Dominus vobiscum and is in the form:
Then the Sanctus is said or sung. In more modern orders of service, it is common for the Dominus vobiscum to introduce the Sursum corda.

Methodist form

In Methodism, the preface opens as follows, in accordance with the Book of Worship:

Byzantine form

In the Byzantine Rite, the preface opens with the following:

	Greek original	English translation
Deacon	Ἂς σταθοῦμε καλά· ἂς σταθοῦμε μὲ φόβο· ἂς προσέξουμε νὰ προσφέρωμε τὴν ἁγία ἀναφορὰ μὲ εἰρήνη.	Let us stand well; let us stand with fear; let us attend, that we may offer the Holy Oblation in peace.
People	Εἰρηνικὴ ἡ ἀγάπη μας, δοξαστικὴ ἡ θυσία μας.	A mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise.
Priest	Ἡ χάρη τοῦ Κυρίου μας Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, καὶ ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατέρα, καὶ ἡ ἑνότητα τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος ἂς εἶναι μὲ ὅλους σας.	The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
People	Καὶ μὲ τὸ πνεῦμα σου.	And with thy spirit.
Priest	Ἂς ὑψώσουμε πρὸς τὸ Θεὸ τὶς καρδιές μας.	Let us lift up our hearts.
People	Ἔχομε τὴν καρδιά μας στραμμένη στὸ Θεό.	We lift them up unto the Lord.
Priest	Ἂς εὐχαριστήσουμε τὸν Κύριο.	Let us give thanks unto the Lord.
People	Ἀξίζει καὶ πρέπει.	It is meet and right.

Lutheran forms

In Lutheran liturgies, the preface has many different translations that can be used in the Divine Service. The following is a common form:

Roman Catholic form

In the Roman Rite, the preface opens with the following:
The current English translation has:
There are a wide variety of proper prefaces for every mass, depending on the missal used. As an example, a preface appointed for masses in the first Sunday in Advent is:
In English: