In preparation for an effective proclamation of the Eucharistic Prayer, spend some time reflecting on the nature and content of the prayer. A more thorough study of the history and structure of the Eucharistic Prayer can be helpful to gain a deeper appreciation of the rite. Each work also provides a bibliography for even further study.

• The Origins of the Eucharistic Prayer by Enrico Mazza and translated by Ronald E. Lane (Liturgical Press, 1995).
• The Eucharistic Prayers of the Roman Rite by Enrico Mazza (Liturgical Press, 1989).
• The Eucharist: Essence, Form, Celebration, revised edition by Johannes H. Emminghaus (Liturgical Press, 1997).
• Our Eucharistic Prayers in Worship, Preaching, and Study by Raymond Moloney (Michael Glazier, 1985).

In addition, the homily of Pope Benedict XVI at the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, April 9, 2009, provides a reflection on several aspects of the Roman Canon.