Matthew R. Green's Blog, page 68

A Collect for Rest, Comfort, and Joy

O Lord our God, who rescues the needy from trouble, gather us into your arms, we who are weary and troubled by the struggles of this age, that we might find rest and joy and comfort in your presence and know in our deepest hearts that with you we are home, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

'And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.' - Isaiah 35:10

A Collect to Find Our Way

Bright Morning Star, who shines through the darkness, give us direction and guidance that we might not become lost or lose our way but would see where you are leading and walk confidently in the safety of your kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit in glory, world without end. Amen.

'A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.' - Isaiah 35:8

A Collect for Fear or Anxiety

Mighty God, who defends those you love, ease our fears and reassure our timid hearts that you will save and that all shall be well when you appear with power to rescue us from harm. Grant that we would remain steadfast until that time and would trust in the coming salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit wields all the powers of earth and heaven. Amen.

'Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."' - Isaiah 35:4

A Collect to See the Wonders of Creation

Lord God, who creates wonders on earth that we might enjoy, open our eyes to see your glory, the majesty that your creation puts on display for all with eyes to see, that we would be filled with awe and delight and rejoice in your goodness, and our mouths could not help but pour forth praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit in perpetual light. Amen.

'The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.' - Isaiah 35:1-2

A Collect for Life in Dry Places

God of life and refreshment, who causes deserts to blossom with joy, bring water to the arid places in our lives, that we might find new life and rejoice as we watch new buds appear and find hope for growth and refreshment, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who shares your glory and majesty with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

'The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.' - Isaiah 35:1-2

A Collect for Healing and Relief

God of life and light, whose delight is your children fully alive, bring healing to those who are broken and relief to those who are in need, that all would know your care for them and might both give and receive fully in your kingdom of love, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who took on our frail flesh and knows our weaknesses yet held fast to you in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.' - Matthew 11:5

A Collect to See What God is Already Doing

Lord Jesus, anointed one upon whom the power of God rests, open our eyes to see and hear what you are already doing in the world, that our hearts would be encouraged and our faith strengthened and we would trust in your word and works, through you who does wonders in the world by the authority of the Father and power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see."' - Matthew 11:2-4

A Collect for Peace

Mighty God, who exercises power to defend the weak and needy, bring peace to this troubled world, that anger would be calmed and aggression be soothed so that your children may live without fear and contentment would fill the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit from on high, world without end. Amen.

'The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.' - Isaiah 11:6-9

A Collect for Justice for the Needy

Lord Jesus Christ, on whom the Spirit of God rests, bring justice and equity to those in need, to those who have no voice to speak for themselves, that the earth might be filled with your righteousness, and all your children might know your ways and the love that suffuses your kingdom, through you who reigns from on high with the Father through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.' - Isaiah 11:3-4

A Collect to Not Trust in Religion

Almighty God, who can raise up a people from the very stones of the earth, keep us from trusting in religion for our righteousness and status, but help us to truly become the kind of people who may be citizens of your kingdom, who desire justice, love mercy, and walk in humility with you, through Jesus Christ our example and forerunner, who loved us to the end and ascended to you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

"Do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham." - Matthew 3:9