In the Sacramentary of Echternacht [9th century], as well as in the Ratoldus Sacramentary [late 9th / early 10th century], the Sacramentary of Minden [early 11th century], and many others, while the Sanctus [Holy, Holy, Holy, ...] is sung, all are directed to bow themselves, and the Priest [or Bishop] says this Prayer:
"O God, Who desirest not the death but the repentance of sinners, mayest Thou not drive me, a weak and miserable sinner, away from Thy Loving-Kindness, neither look Thou upon my sins and crimes, and impurities, and wicked thoughts, whereby I am lamentably separated from Thy Will, but for Thy Mercies, and for the faith and devotion of them, who through me, the sinner, desire Thy Mercy, and because Thou hast willed me, the unworthy one, to be between Thee and Thy people, make me so worthy, that, I may be able to beg mercy for me, and for them Thy people. And join our voices to the voices of Thine Holy Angels, that just as they do incessantly and tirelessly praise Thee in eternal blessedness, may we likewise thus by their intercession be made worthy to praise Thee blamelessly in this pilgrimage. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, God, through all the ages of ages. Amen."
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