The priest then prays that he may be judged worthy to celebrate the awesome eucharistic Mystery of Christ. Specifically, he asks that he may conduct the sacrifice with pure hands, with a pure heart, and with a pure tongue.
The washing of hands is a symbolic gesture signifying the purity required of those who celebrate the Eucharist. Ablutions were a routine part of the Jewish tradition at the time of Christ; indeed, every pious person washed before praying. The early Church Fathers tell us that it was common for Christians to wash before private prayer.
Also, when entering a church, Christians would wash their hands in large basins placed by the front doors. In the Non-Hierarchical Liturgy, priests do not wash their hands at the Great Entrance, as is the practice in the Hierarchical Liturgy. Instead, they wash their hands saying Psalm 26:6-12 before the Proskomide is begun.
Therefore, before performing the Proskomedia, the normal practice is for the priest and the deacon to wash their hands, saying: “I will wash my hands in innocence and I will compass Your altar, O Lord, that I may hear the voice of Your praise and tell all Your wondrous works. O Lord, I have loved the beauty of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells. Destroy not my soul with the ungodly, nor my life with the bloodthirsty, in whose hands are iniquities; their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, in mine innocence have I walked; redeem me, O Lord, and have mercy on me. My foot has stood in uprightness; in the congregations will I bless You, O Lord."42
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