Matthew R. Green's Blog, page 55

A Collect to Know Jesus and Know the Father

Son of Man, who was glorified through your giving of yourself for the world, grant that we should know the Father and know you, that in our bond with you, the source of all life, we might have real life and life eternal, through you who lives in heaven with the Father and Holy Spirit in joyous life forever and ever. Amen.

'After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."' - John 17:1-3

A Collect to Turn to God

Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered for us who did not deserve it, we thank you for opening the way to the Father. Turn our hearts that we would desire to walk the path that you have opened and enter into your kingdom and bow before the throne of the Almighty, through you who reigns with the Father and Holy Spirit in glory, world without end. Amen.

'For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God.' - 1 Pet. 3:18

A Collect to Respond to Evil with Good

Lord Jesus Christ, whose suffering brought the possibility of great good into the world, teach us to respond to abuse and contempt with goodness, that we might remain a light in the world as you were, highlighting the darkness that must be purged and drawing people toward the goodness into which you have called us all, through you who was raised to new life and now reigns in heaven with the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.

'Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God's will, than to suffer for doing evil.' - 1 Pet. 3:16-17

A Collect to Love Our Enemies

Lord Jesus, who begged forgiveness of even those who tormented him, help us to respond to others always in love, even when we are assailed and abused, that we would follow your example and we would live always as children of our loving Father in heaven, through you who was raised to new life and now lives forever in perfect joy and unity with the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.

'Do not fear their attempts to scare you, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts, sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence.' - 1 Pet. 3:14-15

A Collect to Remember Our Blessedness Always

Good shepherd, who tends to your sheep with tenderness and strength, let us not forget your goodness toward us, even when we are in the midst of trial, persecution, or pain here on earth, that even in the midst of difficulty and suffering, we would not be overcome but be sustained by your blessing, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who intercedes with you on our behalf in the Holy Spirit forever in glory. Amen.

'Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed.' - I Pet. 3:13-14

A Collect to Know Jesus Near

Jesus, our beloved friend, be near us and make yourself known as present beside us, that in our loneliness and anxiety, we would not succumb to depression and despair but would find comfort in your love, through you who gave himself for our sake and sat down at the right hand of the Father in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you." - John 14:18

A Collect to Know the Holy Spirit Present

Spirit of truth, who abides with us and in us, give us eyes to see and ears to hear, that we would know you present and working on our behalf, our connection to the throne of heaven and wisdom here on earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns forever in glory with you and the Father in heaven. Amen.

'And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.' - John 14:16-17

A Collect to Obey Jesus in Love

Beloved Jesus, who shows us the glory of God and the perfection of humanity, increase our love for you, that as we grow more and more connected, we would do what you have asked of us without hesitation and with great joy, happy to bring delight to you whom our hearts adore, through you who lives with the Father and Holy Spirit in perfect unity, forever and ever. Amen.

'If you love me, you will keep my commandments.' - John 14:15

A Collect to Allow the Spirit to Work in and with Us

Spirit of the Lord, our counselor, protector, and loving companion, reveal to us where we resist your work in our hearts, that we would allow you to build us up and bind us together, continuing your work in the world and bearing your presence as one, through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns through you with the Father in perpetual light forever and ever. Amen.

'Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.' - 1 Pet. 2:5

A Collect for Faith to Do Good as Jesus Did

Lord Jesus, who worked wonders on earth as you lived among us, strengthen our faith and trust in you, that we would believe what you said and pattern our lives off of you and so be enabled to continue your good works through the power of the Holy Spirit, through you who reigns with the Father and Holy Spirit in perpetual light, from age to age and to eternity. Amen.

'Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.' - John 14:12