Matthew R. Green's Blog, page 75

A Collect to Walk in Faith

Lord God, who is faithful to do what you have promised, give us faith that you will fulfill what you have said, even if we have not yet seen the result, that our trust in you would produce fruit and our eyes would see the faithfulness and power of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit in glory forever. Amen.

'As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean.' - Luke 17:12-14

A Collect to Lean on the Spirit

Spirit of power and of love, by whom we are joined to the source of all life, keep us from struggling in our own power to cling to Jesus and the gift of life that you have sealed in us, but call us continually to lean on you and to rely on your love and power to enable us to remain faithful to what is good, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who ascended to the Father with you in majesty forever. Amen.

'Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.' - 2 Tim. 1:14

A Collect for Security of Heart

Great King of Glory, do not let us fear what others will think of what we believe or how we worship, but give us sureness of heart, knowing that we serve the Lord, whose love sustains us through all circumstances and who in great love was willing to endure the shame and taunts of others for our sake, through Jesus Christ our savior, who now lives in glory forever with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.' - 2 Tim. 1:8

A Collect to Not Be Overwhelmed by Fear

Lord God Almighty, who is greater than we are able to understand, we are small and often frightened creatures, fragile and easily crushed by the world. Let not our fears overwhelm us and keep us from your work, but may your Spirit work in us to provide all that we need to proclaim your truth and love into the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

'For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.' - 2 Tim. 1:6-7

A Collect to Connect with the Spirit Within Us

Spirit of God, source of life and flame that has chosen to live in us, call us continually to reach out and connect with you as the source of our life and faith, that in relationship and connection with you, we might find power to live well and to experience the love that brings security and love forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord who reigns with the Father in you, one Trinity of power and love, world without end. Amen.

'For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.' - 2 Tim. 1:6-7

A Collect to See All as God's Gift

Generous giver, who has provided for us all that we need, remind us that all we receive from you is a gift and that we have earned nothing that you have given. Keep us from believing we are higher or more deserving than we are, that in humility we would remain close to you for our lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

"So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'" - Luke 17:10

A Collect for Humility

Lord and Master of all, by whose command the universe was created, keep us from entitlement and believing we deserve reward. Keep our hearts humble, knowing that we serve the great king of all creation by whose word we receive life and nourishment, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit in glory forever. Amen.

'"Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here at once and take your place at the table'? Would you not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded?"' - Luke 17:7-9

A Collect for Increased Faith

Great teacher, who knows the ways of our hearts, increase our faith and trust in you, that we would dare to tread where you lead, even if our eyes and understanding fail us, and we would reap the rewards of following wherever you go, through you who stayed connected always to the Father and Holy Spirit and returned to their presence in glory forever. Amen.

'The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"' - Luke 17:5

A Collect to be Moved by the Word

God of patience, who tarries with us far longer than we deserve, we are stubborn and fearful, and we are also jaded and hardened by the trouble of this world. Even so, may our hearts be moved when we encounter you and your word, that we might be changed, transformed bit by bit into the likeness of your beloved son, through whom we stand before you and your spirit to offer our humble request. Amen.

"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" - Luke 16:31

A Collect for Generosity and Compassion

God of plenty, who has provided enough for all his children, give us generous and compassionate hearts that we might give to those in need and so love and lift up your beloved creations just as you have done for each of us, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who gave himself for us and sat down at your right hand in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

'And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores.' - Luke 16:20-21