Matthew R. Green's Blog, page 67

A Collect to Share the Things God Does in Us

God of mysteries and wonders, who performs miracles and great things among those whom you love, do not let us be afraid of speaking of the strange and wonderful things you do for us, but give us voice to speak of them to others that we might share our joy and awe at your works together, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

'So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child.' - Luke 2:16-17

A Collect for Peace

God of glory, whom the whole host of heaven praises night and day, bring peace on earth. Let violence be ended and malice be soothed in the hearts of all peoples that we might live in quiet and comfort without fear of danger and threat, walking in love toward one another as you have shown us, through Jesus Christ our Savior, born to show us the way to you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"' - Luke 2:13-14

A Christmas Collect

Emmanuel, who left your throne to take on the nature of a servant, we thank you for your gift of yourself this day. Help us to receive you in the spirit in which you came: in humility, love, and hope for all people, through you who embraced poverty and was crowned king of kings by the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.

'To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.' - Luke 2:11

A Christmas Eve Collect to Make Room for Jesus

Lord Jesus, who came in vulnerability and weakness, there is little room for you in our world and little space for your subtlety and meekness. Help us who recognize you to make what room we can and to give what little space we have to you, that you might be honored and made welcome and we might be changed as we embrace you and your humble ways, through you who loved us to the end through the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.

'And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.' - Luke 2:7

An Advent Collect to Set All Things Right

O morning star, who casts forth light into the world to show us the way, maranatha! Come quickly, that the world might be set aright and that our hearts might likewise be made whole and perfect when we see you face to face, through you who was made man through the power of the Holy Spirit yet remains one with the Father in glory always and forever. Amen.

An Advent Collect for Those who are in Need

Lord Jesus, who is even now preparing a place for us, come soon, gracious shepherd, and take from us our burdens and struggles. Bring relief to the hurting, the vulnerable, the frail, and the abused and fill the world with comfort and light, through you who knows our struggles but wields the power of the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.

A Collect for Blessing on Those who Lead Us

Lord God of hosts, king of all creation, bless your servants, those whom you have set as leaders over us, that they would have the strength to lead well and with wisdom, and we might walk together into your kingdom, through Jesus Christ, the blessed one, who reigns at your right hand in glory with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom you made strong for yourself.' - Ps. 80:17

A Collect Asking for God to Show Himself

O God, whose glory is beyond our understanding, show yourself to your people, that we would enjoy your presence and be restored, enlivened by the healing your touch brings, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever in perpetual light. Amen.

'Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.' - Ps. 80:3

A Collect to Know Jesus Present

Emmanuel, you who took on our feeble frames, be with us as we navigate this world, that we might not be alone or abandoned, but would know the comfort of one who loves us so completely always with us, through you who showed us the love of the Father through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us."' - Matthew 1:23

A Collect to be Freed from the Compulsions of our Sins

Lord Jesus, who knows our vulnerability for you took it upon you, free us from the sins that drive us and compel us to act in ways that we wish to escape, that we would be free to live well, to love as you intended for us and to be able to relax in the light and joy of your reign, through you who lives in the heavens with the Father and Holy Spirit in glory. Amen.

"She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21