Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Ser. II, Vol. XIV:
The Canons of the Synods of Sardica, Carthage, Constantinople, and Carthage Under St. Cyprian, Which Canons Were Received by the Council in Trullo and Ratified by II. Nice.: Canon CIII

Canon CIII.  (Greek cvi.)

Of the prayers to be said at the Altar.

This also seemed good, that the prayers which had been approved in synod should be used by all, whether prefaces, commendations, or laying on of the hand, and that others contrary to the faith should not be used by any means, but that those only should be said which had been collected by the learned.

Notes.

Ancient Epitome of Canon CIII.

[The same as the canon, but omits the last phrase.]

This canon is Canon ix. of Carthage, a.d. 407.

Johnson.

That is, such forms fitted for the present time or occasion, as our Church uses in her Communion Office before the trisagium, on Christmas, Easter, etc.  These prefaces were very ancient in the Christian church.  Prayers used to recommend the catechumens, penitents, and dying souls to God’s protection were styled “Commendations.”