Matthew R. Green's Blog, page 44

A Collect to Fulfill the Will of God

Gracious Father, who is patient with us yet desires our obedience, grant us the will to follow through with your desires for us, that even in our reluctance, we would yet fulfill your word and so bring about the good you desire in the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who despising the cross, endured its suffering and was then elevated to your right hand through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'"What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' He answered, 'I will not'; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir'; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first."' - Matthew 21:28-31

A Collect to Take Courage in Struggle and Suffering

Lord Jesus, teacher and worker of miracles, grant that we should understand our struggles and suffering as a means of sharing in your life and in the life of your saints, that we might not be weighed down by trials but be drawn closer to you, through you who died and was exalted to the highest place with the Father through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'And this is God's doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well -- since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.' - Phil. 1:28-30

A Collect to Trust in God's Protection

Almighty God, who is a strong tower for those who trust in you, increase our faith and calm our fears, that we would not be intimidated by those who oppose us but would rest safely in you and your protection, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit was and is and is to come. Amen.

'Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ... standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents.' - Phil. 1:27-28

A Collect to Live Worthy of the Gospel

Lord Jesus, who showed us a life without fault or sin, help us to live in a way worthy of your gospel, that even though you are absent in body, the world might see a people striving to do good and focused on love, justice, and humility, through you who lives and reigns with Father and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

'Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.' - Phil. 1:27

A Collect to Encourage One Another

Loving Father, who delights in the good of your children, help us rejoice with one another over our growth and successes for your kingdom, that through encouragement and joy, we might support one another along the way and help each other to remain true to your kingdom culture, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the power of the Holy Spirit, one God of glory forever. Amen.

'Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.' - Phil. 1:25-26

A Collect to Take Joy in Supporting One Another

Rabboni, bearer of great wisdom and the one at whose feet we are privileged to sit, teach us to find joy in giving to others, that we might grow together, progressing in the faith and enjoying life with one another, through you who has lived together with the Father and Holy Spirit in perfect joy, world without end. Amen.

'Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith.' - Phil. 1:25

A Collect for Christ's Life to Flow Through Us

Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we live and move and have our being, teach us to live as you lived and to live with your life flowing through us as you lived with the Father's life flowing through you, that we might demonstrate to the world your goodness and be ready to receive you with joy when we meet face to face, through you who loved us to the end and ascended to the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.

'For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.' - Phil. 1:21

A Collect to Rejoice in Others' Fortune

King of all creation, who owns the cattle on every hill, teach us to rejoice with those you have received from you, that we might not grow envious of the gifts you give to others, but would trust your wisdom and generosity, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit in perpetual light, world without end. Amen.

'Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?' - Matthew 20:15

A Collect to Willingly Submit to the Lord

High King of Heaven, ruler of all things and judge of all the living and the dead, move gently but firmly in our hearts to grant us willingness to bow to you and your will, that in that day when all submit to you, it may be in joy and love, with gladness for the goodness and rightness of your rule, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

'For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God."' - Rom. 14:11

A Collect to Live Not for Ourselves Alone

Almighty God, creator of all things and source of all that was and is and is to come, teach us to live in honor of you and do all things in love and service to all, that we would not fall into selfish thinking and self-serving ways but be ever connected to you and your beloved children, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who gave himself for our sake and was exalted to the highest place at your side in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.' - Rom. 14:7