Matthew R. Green's Blog, page 38

A Collect for Increased Faith and Love

All-knowing Father, who hears the prayer and praises of all people, increase our faith and love so much that the world would know of the work you do in us and the good that we do for your creation and your children, and many would be inspired to turn and praise you, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who loved us to the end and sat down at your right hand in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.' - Eph. 1:15-16

A Collect for Compassionate Hearts

Lord Jesus, who has adopted us as your beloved sons and daughters, kindle in our hearts compassion for those in need, knowing that when we give to others, you receive from us as well, taking joy in the service we render to those whom you love, through you who took on our nature for our sake, sacrificing yourself and being received into the presence of the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.

"And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'" - Matthew 25:40

A Collect for Compassion and Joy

Spirit of Christ, who guides us in the way of truth and love, give us hearts full of love for all, that we would be drawn to give to those who are in need and might find great joy in serving all your children whom you so dearly love, through Jesus Christ our example and Lord, who took on the nature of a servant and was exalted to the right hand of the Father in you. Amen.

"Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.'" - Matthew 25:34-36

A Collect to Inherit the Kingdom of Heaven

Lord God Almighty, judge of all people, may we be true servants of you and followers of your teaching and way of life, that at the fulfillment of the age, we would inherit the kingdom you have been preparing and live eternally with you in love, joy, and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who showed us the way to you and sat down at your right hand in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

"Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.'" - Matthew 25:34

A Collect for the Return of Christ in Glory

Son of Man, who reigns over all creation from your glorious throne, come and gather together all peoples before you, that we might be judged in righteousness and truth, and all the wrongs of the world might be set aright in your wisdom and authority, through you who is enthroned above all nations and powers and authorities with the Father and Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him." - Matthew 25:31-32

A Collect to Remember to Encourage One Another

Gracious God, who declared us precious in your sight, help us to remember to encourage one another and support one another, showing in deed as well as word that we are beloved, that we might thereby build one another up and strengthen each other until you appear and take us home to be with you, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit is preparing a place for us to abide in your presence forever and ever. Amen.

'Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.' - 1 Thes. 5:11

A Collect for Heavenly Treasure to Multiply

Lord of the Kingdom of Heaven, who rules in love and virtue, grant us even the smallest measure of kingdom wealth - those things that are treasures in heaven, that we might use them effectively so that they grow and multiply, and we would come to have an abundance of true goodness and wealth that lasts unto eternity, through Jesus Christ our Savior, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever in glory. Amen.

'For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.' - Matthew 25:29

A Collect to Act with Courage in Fear

LORD God Almighty, who was and is and is to come, let not our fears drive us to abandon our responsibilities, but grant us courage that we would fulfill your will even when we are afraid, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who received life out of death and is now seated at your right hand with the Holy Spirit in glory forever. Amen.

"Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.'" - Matthew 25:24-25

A Collect to be Faithful with What God Has Entrusted to Us

Spirit of God, who abides within us as close as our breath, help us to be faithful in the things you have given us to do, that we would prove ourselves trustworthy and so bring joy to you and to all whose lives we touch, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Father abide together in perfect unity, one God in glory forever. Amen.

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'" - Matthew 25:21

A Collect to Use God's Gifts to Do Good in the World

LORD God, who has entrusted much to us, your servants here on earth, let us not hide and bury that which you have entrusted to us, that we would put to use your gifts and so not only fulfill our responsibilities, but also do good in the world, blessing those you place in our path, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and ascended to your right hand in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.' - Matthew 25:18