The Prayers of Thanksgiving
The word Eucharist, referring to the holy Mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ, means “thanksgiving”. At the close of the Liturgy, the Church has provided for Christians an opportunity to further offer thanks to God for the immeasurable blessing just bestowed. It is the custom in this parish for the Sub-deacons to pray these prayers aloud, while the priest consumes the remainder of the Precious Gifts. Following the Prayers of Thanksgiving, worshippers are encouraged to venerate the cross, receive blessed bread and quietly leave the nave. In parishes where the prayers are not read aloud, it is proper to thank God by remaining in your place and praying the Thanksgiving Prayers privately.
When in worship, we step outside of our hurried, fast-paced world and enter into the Kingdom. We should not be in such a hurry to leave, depriving ourselves of blessings by not being still and participating in the beauty of holiness. Remain and pray until the last person has venerated the Cross. Then, quietly go in peace.