Talk about performance anxiety

Father, send your Holy Spirit into our hearts. Place within us love that truly gives, tenderness that truly unites, self-offering that tells the truth and does not deceive, forgiveness that truly receives, loving physical union that welcomes.

Open our hearts to you, to each other and to the goodness of your will. Cover our poverty in the richness of your mercy and forgiveness. Clothe us in true dignity and take to yourself our shared aspirations, for your glory, forever and ever. Mary, our mother, intercede for us. Amen.

What is this? It's the Catholic Church's recommended prayer before sex.

I'm not sure what "poverty" has to do with it but the use of the words "cover" and "clothe" suggest that they don't really understand the whole "sex" thing. (Of course, some of them do, but that's a different issue.)

I will admit, though, that part about Mary interceding is pretty hot. I didn't realize the church would be supportive of that kind of thing.

Thanks to Pharyngula.