MAY the Lord enkindle in us the fire of His love, and the flame of everlasting charity. Amen.
Here the celebrant is incensed by the deacon, who next incenses the clergy present in choir and the other ministers at the altar.
The priest, with his hands joined, goes to the Epistle side of the altar, where he washes his fingers while he recites the following:
I WILL wash my hands
among the innocent;
and will compass Thy
altar, O Lord.
That I may hear the voice of Thy praise and tell of all Thy wondrous works.
I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth.
Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked, nor my life with men of blood.
In whose hands are iniquities: their right hand is filled with gifts.
But as for me, I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy on me.
