Matthew R. Green's Blog, page 71

A Collect to Trust in the Spirit's Wisdom

Spirit of wisdom, by whom is all understanding for living, help us to trust that you will provide for us what we need at the appropriate time, that rather than relying on our own strength and wisdom, we would listen for your quiet prompting and find you present and bountifully profound, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is a live and abides with you and the Father in perfect harmony, age to age and to eternity. Amen.

'So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.' - Luke 21:14-15

A Collect to Honor Jesus in Persecution

Lord Jesus, who was persecuted by those you came to save, let us not be surprised if we are also persecuted when we follow in your footsteps, but when we are accused, let us check our hearts to be certain that we are like you, honoring your name and the virtues that you came to show us, through you who reigns in great love with the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.

"But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name." - Luke 21:12

A Collect to Not Be Surprised by Trouble

Lord of the heavenly host, whose power is greater than all we conceive of on earth, let us not be surprised by the troubles of this world, for you told us in advance that such things would come. Grant us solace that you are still in control, that we would not be overly frightened but find security in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

'"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven."' - Luke 21:9-11

A Collect to Escape False Teaching

God of wisdom, in whom is all knowledge and insight, keep us from being manipulated by false teachers and those who distort the truth. Help us to hold fast to your message and the good news of your presence with us and our call to be like you - humble, loving, just, and merciful, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who loved us to the end and took his place at your side in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them."' - Luke 21:8

A Collect to Hold This World Lightly

Eternal God, who alone is unchangeable, teach us to hold lightly the things of this world, that when they crumble or are lost to the changes and chances of time, we may yet cling to you and find our joy and solace in your presence, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you an the Holy Spirit, one God, from age to age and to eternity. Amen.

'When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."' - Luke 21:5-6

A Collect to Take Courage in God

Lord of hosts, at whose command the earth moves in order to do your will, let us find our courage in your presence with us, that we might escape anxiety and despair, defeat and dejection, knowing that you are for us and work ever towards our good, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns king of all creation, ruling alongside you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel, says the LORD; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the LORD; work, for I am with you, says the LORD of hosts.' - Haggai 2:4

A Collect to Escape Spiritual Pride

Lord God of glory, who humbled yourself by taking the nature of a servant, keep us from taking pride in our spiritual accomplishments and the greatness of our libraries and churches, lest we stumble when such things are stripped away. Help us instead to lean on you and to rely on your presence and your goodness to us always and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

'Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Is it not in your sight as nothing? Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel, says the LORD; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the LORD; work, for I am with you, says the LORD of hosts.' - Haggai 2:3-4

A Collect for Strength to Do Good

Loving Father, who has comforted us through your grace, strengthen our hearts, and turn them toward your ways that we would be able to do the good works you have prepared for us and would bless others as you have blessed us, through Jesus Christ our teacher, who went before us to show us the way to you through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.' - 2 Thes. 2:16-17

A Collect for Comfort and Hope

Lord Jesus Christ, who has loved us with eternal grace, give us comfort and hope that will not be crushed by the struggles of this world, that we might be able to continue walking in your ways this day and forever, through you who received the love of the Father and Holy Spirit and loves all in return. Amen.

'Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.' - 2 Thes. 2:16-17

A Collect of Thanks for God's Choosing of Us

Loving God, who cherishes each element of your creation, we thank you for choosing us, for setting us apart as particularly beloved. Help us to live up to the love that you have shown us, becoming like you and blessing all those we touch, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit in Trinitarian splendor and joy. Amen.

'But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.' - 2 Thes. 2:13