The Collect is one of the oldest elements in the formal worship of the Christian Church. The Collect is a short prayer, very exact and definite in structure. It usually consists of but one sentence and offers but one petition. Its purpose is to prepare the Congregation for the Holy Scriptures now about to be read. In it Pastor and People pray for the particular grace which that Word offers and conveys.
The collects from the 1947 E&R Book of Worship are common to the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and the Lutheran Common Service Book.
Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and ever. Amen.
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord, we beseech thee, give ear to our prayers, and lighten the darkness of our hearts, by thy gracious visitation; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Stir up, O Lord, we beseech thee. thy power, and come, and with great might succor us, that by the help of thy grace whatsoever is hindered by our sins may be speedily accomplished, through thy mercy and satisfaction; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Mercifully hear, O Lord, the prayers of thy people; that as they rejoice in the Advent of thine Only-begotten Son according to the flesh, so when he cometh a second time in his Majesty, they may receive the reward of eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, we beseech thee, mercifully to hear the prayers of thy people, that we, who for our sins are justly afflicted, may be consoled by thy Visitation; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever One God, world without end. Amen.
O God, who hast made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light; grant, we beseech thee, that as we have known on earth the mysteries of that Light, we may also come to the fullness of his joys in heaven; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
O God, who hast made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light; grant, we beseech thee, that as we have known on earth the mysteries of that Light, we may also come to the fullness of his joys in heaven; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty and Everlasting God, direct our actions according to thy good pleasure, that in the Name of thy beloved Son, we may be made to abound in good works; through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant, that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfill the same; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
O God, the Fountain of all truth and grace, who hast called us out of darkness into marvellous light by the glorious gospel of thy Son; grant unto us power, we beseech Thee, to walk worthy of this vocation, with all lowliness and meekness, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace; that we may have our fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and Everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; grant to us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, we beseech thee to keep thy Church and Household continually in thy true religion; that they who do lean only upon the hope of thy heavenly grace may evermore be defended by thy mighty power; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of thy only begotten Son, hast confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of the fathers, and who, in the voice that came from the bright cloud, didst in a wonderful manner foreshow the adoption of sons; mercifully vouchsafe to make us co-heirs with the King of his glory, and bring us to the enjoyment of the same; through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
O Lord, we beseech thee favorably to hear the prayers of thy people: that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty and Everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, we beseech thee, by the mystery of our Savior's fasting and temptation, to arm us with the same mind that was in him toward all evil and sin; and give us grace to keep our bodies in such holy discipline, that our minds may be always ready to resist Satan, and obey the direction of thy Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who seest the helpless misery of our fallen life; vouchsafe unto us, we humbly beseech thee, both the outward and inward defence of thy guardian care; that we may be shielded from the evils which assault the body, and be kept pure from all thoughts that harm and pollute the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast been the hope and confidence of thy people in all ages; mercifully regard, we beseech thee, the prayer with which we cry unto thee out of the depths, and stretch forth the right hand of thy majesty for our salvation and defence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth; enter not into judgment with thy servants, we beseech thee, but be pleased of thy great kindness to grant, that we who are now righteously afflicted and bowed down by the sense of our sins, may be refreshed and lifted up with the joy of thy salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, who hast taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth; send thy Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee. Grant this for thine only Son Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Almighty God, who seest the helpless misery of our fallen life; vouchsafe unto us, we humbly beseech thee, both the outward and inward defence of thy guardian care; that we may be shielded from the evils which assault the body, and be kept pure from all thoughts that harm and pollute the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who amid so many adversities do fail through our own infirmities, may be restored through the passion and intercession of thine only begotten Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty and Everlasting God, grant us grace so to contemplate the passion of our Lord, that we may find therein forgiveness for our sins; through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Assist us mercifully with thy help, O Lord God of our salvation; that we may enter with joy upon the meditation of those mighty acts, whereby thou hast given unto us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord God, who hast left unto us in a wonderful Sacrament a memorial of thy passion; grant, we beseech thee, that we may so use this Sacrament of thy Body and Blood, that the fruits of thy redemption may continually be manifest in us; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Merciful and Everlasting God, who hast not spared thine only Son, but delivered him up for us all, that he might bear our sins upon the cross; grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in him that we may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and Everlasting God, who hast willed that thy Son should bear for us the pains of the cross, that thou mightest remove from us the power of the adversary; help us to remember and give thanks for our Lord's passion, whereby we obtain remission of sin and redemption from everlasting death: through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who through the resurrection of thine only begotten Son Jesus Christ, hast overcome death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; assist and support in us, we beseech thee, the aspirations of thy heavenly grace, that dying unto sin always, and living unto righteousness, we may at last triumph over death and the grave, in the full image of our risen Lord: to whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen.
O God, whose Son did manifest himself to his disciples in the breaking of bread; open, we pray thee, the eyes of our faith, that we may behold thee in all thy works; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the glorious Prince of salvation, with everlasting victory over hell and the grave; grant unto us power, we beseech thee, to rise with him to newness of life, that we may overcome the world with the victory of faith, and have part at last in the resurrection of the just; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life; give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavor ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who showest to them that be in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's religion that they may avoid those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who hast prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass man's understanding; pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to have ascended into the heavens; so may we also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; grant to us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty and Everlasting God, who hast given unto us, thy servants, grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity; we beseech thee, that thou wouldest keep us steadfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities; who livest and reignest, One God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast been the hope and confidence of thy people in all ages; mercifully regard, we beseech thee, the prayer with which we cry unto thee out of the depths, and stretch forth the right hand of thy majesty for our salvation and defence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life; give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavor ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as are right; that we, who cannot do anything that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who hast prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass man's understanding; pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, whose never-failing Providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth; we humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as are right; that we, who cannot do anything that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants: and, that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who declarest thine almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity; mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running the way of thy commandments, may obtain thy gracious promises, and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that, that in the church of thy Christ, the light of thy holy scripture, through the aid of the Holy Spirit may be so brightly displayed and set forth, that the minds of thy children, being confirmed, may evermore hold fast the way of salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Make haste, O God, to deliver me: make haste to help me, O Lord.
Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that, following thy example, we may show to all men that thou didst deliver Israel, the way of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command; through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Keep, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy Church with thy perpetual mercy; and, because the frailty of many without thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Lord, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without thy succor, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as are right; that we, who cannot do anything that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, we beseech thee, grant thy people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil; and with pure hearts and minds to follow thee, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, we beseech thee, grant thy people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil; and with pure hearts and minds to follow thee, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, give us grace, that we, being made one with thee, by a firm faith, may love and hold fast those gifts that are laid up for us in thy son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Grant, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, we beseech thee to keep thy household, the Church, in continual godliness; that through thy protection it may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in good works, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant to us, we beseech thee, that by thy grace we may evermore serve thee in holy godliness and righteousness, and being delivered from the devil and his temptations, may continue to live unto thee in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
Absolve, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy people from their offences; that from the bonds of our sins which, by reason of our frailty, we have brought upon us, we may be delivered by thy bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty God, we beseech thee, show thy mercy unto thy humble servants, that we who put no trust in our own merits may not be dealt with after the severity of thy judgment, but according to thy mercy; through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Absolve, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy people from their offences; that from the bonds of our sins which, by reason of our frailty, we have brought upon us, we may be delivered by thy bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
O Lord God, Heavenly Father, pour out, we beseech thee, the Holy Spirit upon thy faithful people, keep them steadfast in thy grace and truth, protect and comfort them in all temptation, defend them against all enemies of thy Word, and bestow upon Christ's Church militant thy saving peace; through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Almighty God, who, through the preaching of thy servants, the blessed reformers, hast caused the light of the Gospel to shine forth; grant, we beseech thee, that, knowing its saving power, we may faithfully guard and defend it against all enemies, and joyfully proclaim it, to the salvation of souls and the glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready, both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that thou wouldest have done; through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Most merciful Father, who hast blessed the labors of the husbandman in the returns of the fruits of the earth; we give thee humble and hearty thanks for this thy bounty; beseeching thee to continue thy loving-kindness to us, that our land may still yield her increase, to thy glory and our comfort; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.