The Opening Prayer is the climax of the prayer movement of the Introductory Rites. Within these entrance rituals, this prayer is the gathering (hence the term COLLECT) and sets a direction for the rest of the Liturgy. With this prayer the priest invites the people to a very specific communal prayer, which they are to listen to attentively and then give assent by a rousing AMEN (Let it be so).

The prayer not only gives a sense of closure, or focus to the beginning part of the Mass, it also ends the Introductory rites with a very specific praise-petition aspect to our worship.

Like all prayers in the Holy Mass, our reflection and petition should be directed to the Almighty Father, through Jesus Christ, our Intercessor and Mediator. In keeping with the ROMAN rite's traditions, the construct of this prayer necessitates a prayer that is brief and restrained, taking God's majesty and greatness into account and presenting to Him an attitude of clear formality, yet with childlike confidence.

Since this prayer changes in every Mass, there are as many Opening Prayers as there are Masses in the Sacramentary, and each one of those prayers enjoy its own special character and wording. Some, depending on the solemnity of the feast, will tend to a bit more specific an end, generally a certain focal point in the Christian life or the Church's year. Other prayers, especially the new set of approved alternative Opening Prayers, tend to be more flowery and wordy in their presentation.

Regardless, the greatest obstacle for the faithful is the wandering mind and inattention. LISTEN to what you're saying AMEN to!

Psalm 61:6 "O God, when you accept my vows and hear the plea of those who revere your name in prayer."