The shortest Eucharistic Prayer is also one of the oldest — and its origins are more dramatic than most Catholics realize. Dr. Brant Pitre uncovers where Eucharistic Prayer II actually comes from.
Eucharistic Prayer II: History, Biblical Roots, and Meaning
Of the four Eucharistic Prayers, this is the shortest and the one the Church recommends for weekdays (GIRM 365). Dr. Pitre explains its distinctive history: it is modeled on the third-century Eucharistic Prayer attributed to St. Hippolytus of Rome — the earliest anaphora to come down to us — and was assembled for the reformed Missal by Bernard Botte and Louis Bouyer under St. Paul VI. He sets the Missal text side by side with Hippolytus so viewers can see what was retained and what was new. Biblically, the session follows the manna and "dewfall" imagery ("by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall," cf. Exodus 16) into John 6's Bread of Life and the "chalice of salvation" of Psalm 116, with St. Ambrose and St. John of Damascus on the mystery. Dr. Pitre even reads Bouyer's own candid memoir about how quickly the final edits of the prayer were performed. The video maps this territory and raises the questions; it saves the full synthesis for the session.
Key passages & sources examined: GIRM 365; Roman Missal, Order of Mass nos. 99-106; Exodus 16:14-15; John 6:48-51; Psalm 116:13-17; St. Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition (3rd c.); St. Ambrose, On the Sacraments; St. John of Damascus, On the Orthodox Faith; Louis Bouyer, Memoirs
Where did Eucharistic Prayer 2 come from? It is based on the third-century anaphora sometimes attributed to St. Hippolytus of Rome and was drafted for the modern Missal by scholars commissioned by Paul VI, such as Botte and Bouyer. The video compares the two texts line by line.
Why is Eucharistic Prayer II used on weekdays? It is the shortest of the four, and the Church proposes it for weekday and special-circumstance Masses (GIRM 365). Dr. Pitre discusses why in the session.
What does "like the dewfall" mean in Eucharistic Prayer 2? The phrase draws on the manna that came with the dew in Exodus 16; the session traces that image into John 6.
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
