Collects for Diversity and Faithfulness

Collect 1

Father of all the Nations, You have sought from the very beginning for mankind to diversify and multiple across the many borders of our world.  Humble your servants that we may see in every tribe tongue and nation your work of sanctification in the Church.  So that we might glorify your Holy name as the creator of and sustainer of all humanity. We pray this through Christ our Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Collect 2

Heavenly Father, You have set the course and boundary of every individual’s life. Give to each man peace and faithful trust, so that each of us may faithfully run the course you have laid out and thus bring you honor and glory by the power of the Holy Ghost and for the name Christ our Lord. Amen.

2 Collects for Matthew 1

Heavenly Father, master of space and time, you gave Christ’s ancestor’s a place in the larger context of his story, that they may enrich the narrative of his life, and testify throughout history of your intricate work of salvation. Grant to us trust in your design and plan, that we may know the beauty of being a part of the greater story of your glory.  In Christ’s name, Amen.

Oh Heavenly Father, you give to all earthly men the strength and power to represent you to their sons and daughters. Grant to these men the wisdom and courage to lead gently by the hand their children, so that their little ones may embrace you without reservation or fear.  In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Collect for Jeremiah 20

But if I say, “Forget it!

 No more God-Messages from me!”

 The words are fire in my belly,

 a burning in my bones.

 I’m worn out trying to hold it in.

 I can’t do it any longer!

Curse the day

I was born!

The day my mother bore me—

a curse on it, I say!

He should have killed me before I was born,

with that womb as my tomb,

My mother pregnant for the rest of her life

with a baby dead in her womb.

Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Je 20:8–9, 14,16.

Father, you birth in your servants words we cannot bear to speak. Grant that we may find comfort in your love and mercy. That, in the end we can fulfill our calling by the power of the Holy Spirit, with Christ-like humility and obedience to the Glory of your name.

Two Collects on Suffering

1.

Lord Christ, heir to David’s throne, you died and rose again to life with power and glory.  Grant that we may endure the tribulations and sufferings of this world in order that we may lay hold of the crown of life which you have bought for us with your blood. In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

2.

Almighty God, who comforts all who suffer and are in pain. Grant that we may receive Christ in the midst of our own tribulations and trials, in order that we may testify to your love for us throughout all circumstances.  In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

3 Collects

1.

Almighty Spirit, the final destination of every man’s desire. Bend the knees of our hearts, so that we might truly and humbly worship you in Christ our Lord. Amen.

2.

Creative Father, you are maker and designer of all of heaven and earth.  Grant that we may know the proper end of all creation, so that we may steward this world with wisdom and grace.  In the name of your Son Jesus Christ through the power of the Spirit. Amen.

3.

Savior Christ, who is the light that shines in the darkness of our souls.  Grant us eyes that see you in the midst of our doubt and grief, so that we may hold fast to our salvation from all that troubles us in this world, In your illuminating name. Amen.