Matthew R. Green's Blog, page 87
June 11, 2022
A Collect for Peace in Anxiety and Fear
Steadfast Jesus, our place of refuge and security, help us to receive the peace that you offer, that we who are troubled by the things of this world and those things we fear may overwhelm or harm us might experience the calm and assurance of your care and love, able to rest in you, through you who reigns as king of all creation with the Father and Holy Spirit in glory. Amen.
'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.' - John 14:27
June 10, 2022
A Collect to Be Reminded of Christ's Teaching
Breath of God, our advocate before the Father, give us ears to hear what you are speaking in our hearts, that we would remember Jesus' teaching and be reminded of all that we are called to as disciples and friends of the one who loved us into being, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns with you and the Father in glory and perfect love, world without end. Amen.
"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you." - John 14:25-26
June 9, 2022
A Collect to Love the Lord in Increasing Measure
Gentle Lord, who is patient and generous with us who do not deserve your care, help us to love you more and more, that we could not help but keep your commandments, desiring to make you happy and feel the warmth of your delight, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who sings over all creation in perfect harmony with the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.
'If you love me, you will keep my commandments.' - John 14:15
June 8, 2022
A Collect for Trust in God to Do His Works
Spirit of God, sent by the Father to abide in the hearts of those who believe in the name of Jesus, grant us trust in you and power to accomplish what you have prepared for us to do, that we would be your ministers and ambassadors in the world, working to reconcile your people to you and show your kindness to the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
'Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.' - John 14:12
June 7, 2022
A Collect to Increase Our Faith
Great teacher, who is one with the Father and speaks the Father's words to those who follow you, increase our faith. Draw our eyes to the works that you have done and continue to do that we might see and believe in you, trusting in your character and power and goodness toward us and all those you have created, through you who reigns in heaven with the Father and Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
'Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.' - John 14:11
June 6, 2022
A Collect to See God in Christ
Almighty God, who transcends all that we can understand or perceive, help us to see you in the person of Christ, whom you sent, that we would grasp you in your wisdom, humility, and love and desire to follow you as your students and even as your beloved children and friends, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who descended to us and returned to you and the Holy Spirit to reign in glory. Amen.
'Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?"' - John 14:8-9
June 5, 2022
A Collect for Pentecost to Receive the Spirit
Spirit of the Almighty, who is fire and wind and breath, fill us as you filled those who waited for your appearing, that we would be as close to you as to our own breath and we would receive from you those gifts that you would bestow for the good of all those who worship the Father in spirit and in truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and ascended to the Father and to you for all eternity. Amen.
'And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.' - Acts 2:2-4
June 4, 2022
A Collect to See a Vision of the Kingdom of God
Father of glory, keeper of all wisdom and revelation, enlighten our hearts as we come to know you, that we may see and embrace the vision of your kingdom on earth, the hope of grace and justice and mercy filling this world and bringing your love to all of us who are in need of you, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who intercedes with you for us in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
'I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you.' - Eph. 1:17-18
June 3, 2022
A Collect for Being Known for our Goodness
Loving Father, whose name will one day fill the earth as water fills the seas, guide us toward increasing goodness, and set our feet in the path toward love and faithfulness, that we would be known for our virtue and many would praise and thank you for the work you have done in making us blessings on the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who reigns from heaven with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
'I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.' - Eph 1:15-16
June 2, 2022
A Collect to Ask for Wonderous Things
Almighty God, who does miraculous things for your people, show us things both great and small that fill our hearts with joy, that we would worship you with wonder and gratitude, filled with awe that you would be generous with us and bless us with such good things, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who was carried back into your embrace, enjoying the company of you and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
'While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.' - Luke 24:51-52
