In liturgical use the term preface is a formal thanksgiving that immediately precedes (or forms part of) the Canon, Eucharistic Prayer, Prayer of Consecration or analogous portion of the Eucharist (Holy Communion, Mass or Divine Liturgy).
Among the Oriental Orthodox Churches the preface will take different forms, depending upon the liturgical rite or the particular feast day.
[citation needed] In the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, the preface omits the Dominus vobiscum ("The Lord be with you") and is in the form:[2] 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.
The following is a common form:[4] 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.