Matthew R. Green's Blog, page 57

A Collect to Recognize Abusive Authority

Spirit of the Lord, our great counselor whose wisdom is ever true, share with us your discernment that we would recognize those who seek to lead us only for their own benefit, to steal and abuse us rather than to care for us, and would find those who truly lead as you do, with wisdom and love for those in their charge, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns in heaven with you and the Father. Amen.

'Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit.' - John 10:1

A Collect to Recognize Our Straying from God's Invitation

Great King of Heaven, whose reign is wisdom and peace and nourishment, show us how we seek to enter your kingdom wrongly, to force our way by our own wiles and demands, that we might recognize our foolishness and seek humbly to enter through the door you have provided happily for our use and be welcomed into your presence as children and sheep entrusted into your care, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

'Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit.' - John 10:1

A Collect to See Jesus in our Midst

Lord Jesus Christ, who has walked with us throughout the way, open our eyes to see you in our midst, that we would recognize what you are about, learn from your great wisdom, and enter into your work with you as your servants, friends, and apprentices, though you who is alive and reigns in heaven forever with the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.

'When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.' - Luke 24:30-31

A Collect to Hold On to Jesus in Suffering

Loving Lord, who endured such suffering for our sake and then was made new and glorified to new life, let us not be surprised when we enter into suffering as you did, trusting that as you passed through suffering into glory, we might also be made into something new through our trials and pain if we abide in you, through you who now reigns in heaven with the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.

"Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" - Luke 24:26

A Collect to Be Continually Drawn into Truth

Great teacher, whose knowledge and wisdom exceeds all that we could understand, have patience with us when we are slow of heart to believe what you have told us, and continue to draw our hearts toward the truth and goodness that is you, that we might eventually cast off false beliefs and those things that entangle us and embrace your ways and the life of your blessed kingdom, through you who reigns in heaven with the Father and Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

'Then he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared!"' - Luke 24:25

What things do I still have trouble believing about God? About how life works? If I spent some time listening for the Spirit, what might the Spirit tell me that there is more to trust in?

A Collect to Trust the Lord Even When Things Seem to Go Badly

God of all things, who knows the end from the beginning, let us not give up hope when you do not do what we expect, but help us to trust that your ways are greater than ours and that all will still be well in your great wisdom and plan, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who opened the way of reconciliation with you through the Holy Spirit and now reigns forever in glory. Amen.

'But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.' - Luke 24:21

A Collect for Awe and Wonder at the Messiah

Mighty God, who parted the seas, produced manna from naught, and threw down the walls of Jericho, may we be awed by your works of ancient times and those when Jesus walked in Israel, that we would look upon your Messiah with wonder and so follow your ways with eagerness, longing to understand and be near you always, through Jesus Christ your son, who reigns with you in heaven with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people."' - Luke 24:19

A Collect to Share our Hearts with God

Lord Jesus, who has called us friends as you share your vision with us, continue to invite us to share our hearts with you as well, that as we unfold our stories with you, we might be encouraged by your attention, enlightened by your wisdom, and grow in trust and love as we walk in your presence, through you who lives in perfect love with the Father and Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

'And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad.' - Luke 24:17

A Collect to Trust When God Seems Absent

Great teacher, who walks alongside us on the journey, let us hold fast to you, trusting in your will and your ways, that even when we are prevented from seeing and recognizing your presence around us, we might yet believe that you are working something good and await your revealing at the right time, through you who ascended to the Father and Holy Spirit to reign in glory forever. Amen.

'While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.' - Luke 24:15-16

A Collect for Joy Even in Suffering

Lord God Almighty, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, draw our hearts toward the gifts you have given us and to the joy of your presence, that even in suffering of trials and difficulties, we might yet rejoice and trust in your goodness, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives together with you and the Holy Spirit in perfect joy forever. Amen.

'In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials.' - 1 Pet. 1:6