These collects are written with an eye toward our creator, and intended for use in the liturgical life of your congregation.
O Lord, Creator of the heavens and Earth,
you come when and where least expected.
Help us turn from our selfish and destructive ways
so that even in this dark and barren time, we might greet
Christ, the branch of righteousness and tree of life,
with lives wholly dedicated to your saving mercy and love,
for you are the one eternal God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
O Lord, Sustainer of all life within this wondrous world,
even as grass is withered, water frozen, and soil resting,
you still provide for the needs of your creatures. As ox and donkey
know their Master's manger yet we often do not, turn our hearts and eyes
in repentance to you through the words and works of your messengers,
so that we might acknowledge you in faith and walk in your mercy and truth,
for you live and work for the good of all, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen
O Lord of the deserts and desolate places, where life is harsh and daunting,
you burst forth as gracious water reviving the exhausted and turning tears of sorrow
into harvests of joy. Fill us with patience and gladness as we await the Light who comes
in darkness to heal the sick, make whole the broken, and lift up the lonely.
As you restore in us the joy of salvation, so enable us to live in faithful service and witness
so that all the world may rejoice in the coming of our Savior,
who lives eternal in love with you, O Father and Holy Spirit, Amen.
O Lord, who created all which exists by the speaking of your Word,
we thank you that throughout the ages you sustain your people
by your promises fulfilled in the Word made flesh who dwells among us,
full of grace and truth. As we behold our salvation in the face of Christ,
renew us by your Spirit so that we may devote ourselves
to peace on Earth and goodwill toward all, for you are the God of life
now and forever, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
O Lord Jesus, Eternal Word and firstborn of all Creation,
we praise you for taking on flesh and blood for the world's redemption.
As you were born in a wheat and barley town called "House of Bread"
and laid in a feeding trough where animals came for grain,
give us ever a hunger and thirst for your righteousness,
and feed us with yourself, O Bread of Life, so that all may know
your feast of salvation and partake of your mercy and grace;
to your glory and praise, with the Father and Holy Spirit, now and forever, Amen.
O Lord Jesus, whose birth was announced to shepherds in the field by angels in the sky,
even as a bright star led the wise men through darkness to your presence;
fill us ever with gratitude and joy for your coming from heaven to Earth.
Like the turtledoves which accompanied you to the temple,
like Simeon and Anna who prayed faithfully and proclaimed your salvation,
enable us to announce your coming as the world's redeemer
so that all might know and live in your rescuing grace,
for you live forever one with the Father and Holy Spirit, Amen.
O Lord Jesus, eternal Son of the Father, we thank you for becoming a child of Earth
so that we might become children of grace and heirs of the life to come.
As your infancy was surrounded by threat and exile and the loss of other children's lives,
so turn our hearts to the needs of children who know danger, squalor, and harm in our time.
While still a boy, you amazed the religious teachers with your holy wisdom.
Remind us that in becoming like children we enter your Father's realm. Bless and protect all families, we pray,
so that they and we may live in the same love you share with the Father and Holy Spirit, Amen.
O Lord Jesus, whose blood shed on the eighth day after birth
answered peace to Abel's blood crying from the ground;
you were given the name "the one who saves" as instructed by the angel.
As people baptized into your name and life of salvation,
enable us to live out your faith and forgiveness to others,
and help us bring forth blessing on the land entrusted to our care
so that all may come to live as the first-fruits of Creation,
for all glory and praise belongs to you, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, ruler of the heavens and Earth, whose birth was made known
to those of other faiths and lands by a bright light in a dark sky; may your Holy Spirit
lead all who do not know you, or have forgotten you, or have pushed you away
to the humble place where you are found as the Savior of the world.
With great joy, enable us to give up in worship what we claim as the riches of this life
so that, having beheld the radiance of your light, we might we live as witnesses to you,
for you live and reign eternal in glory with the Father and Holy Spirit, Amen.
O Lord Christ, who walked among the ruins of this wounded world
bringing the joy of restoration to the forsaken and hopeless,
we praise you for making yourself known as the Earth's redeemer and only hope.
Gathered from far and wide as those who know the grace of your shining face,
turn ever, O Lord, the standing water of our lives into the wine of rejoicing
so that others may join us in the feast of salvation, and that we all may give of ourselves
in sacrificial and serving love, for to you belongs all honor and praise,
with the Father and the Spirit, eternally one, Amen.
O Lord Christ, you went to the waterside calling fishermen from their work
and to the synagogues declaring God's restoring presence in the world;
we praise you for your merciful compassion, healing all who came to you
with pains and illnesses and afflictions. As you fulfilled the will of God
throughout your earthly ministry, so lead us out by your Good Spirit
that we might devote ourselves in faithfulness and fervor to the tasks
you give us as people raised up in newness from the waters of Baptism
to live with you, the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, Amen.
O Lord Christ, too often we look at turmoil, suffering, and sickness and wonder
why you are absent instead of seeing that you are present calming, relieving, and healing.
You use what many think powerless and despicable to carry out your wise and holy will.
Purify our vision, we pray, so that we recognize your blessing even in trying times
and places of lack. If the mountains and hills hear your judgment, if the sea rages against us
and swallows us, help us to trust in your salvation and rejoice in your faithful deliverance;
may we sing a new song of praise to you with all the Earth and glorify your goodness,
for you are one in mercy and love, with the Father and Spirit, now and always, Amen.
O Lord Christ, so often our eyes are on ourselves and things we do not need
that we miss the many who struggle for food and drink, clothing and shelter.
Uproot us from our self-indulgence and remind us that you give rain and sun
and the abundance that follows for the sustenance of all your creatures.
Let your light break forth anew into our lives, so that fasting from excess and indifference
we might share with the hungry and homeless and become like a watered garden
with plenty for all. Scatter the darkness and decay of our sinfulness and raise us up
to live as salt and light for the good of all and to your glory, with the Father and Spirit, Amen.
O Lord Christ, you are the water of life refreshing all that is parched and lifeless;
we thank you that you have planted and nourished us like trees by your streams of grace.
As a tree can only flourish with roots and trunk, branches and leaves working together,
remind us that all of Creation exists in a beautiful and dependent order, and that we,
as your faithful are called to work for the wellbeing of all. Whether planting or watering,
make us remember that you are the one doing both through us. Renew us ever
by your Holy Spirit so that we bring forth the fruit of faith as those who live
in the first-fruits of your resurrection, to the glory of the Father of life, Amen.
O Lord Christ, no creature is without meaning or hidden from your sight;
you behold this world of enmity and exile, willfulness and waywardness
with suffering and redeeming love. Lead us forth in your forgiveness to live
out your peace and to share the abundance of your Sabbath provision.
As you send down rain and snow to make seeds sprout and grow so that
all are fed, fill us gratitude and joy that in your presence even thorns and thistles
give way to trees which rise in the sky to your praise. May we live in the victory
of your life over death and glorify you, the Father, and the Holy Spirit forever, Amen.
O Lord Christ, Light of Light and light for all who come into this world,
as the rainbow was the promise of peace with all Creation after the flood,
so help us to realize that your resurrection undoes the sting of death and brings forth
the fragrance of life. As even the birds of the air and the flowers of the field
know your trust, free us from all anxious and fruitless living to the joy of
your salvation. Lead us and uphold us in our living and working so that all may know you
as the one who feeds and provides, sets free and makes whole, our God and our Lord,
with the Father and Holy Spirit, eternal in mercy and goodness, Amen.
O Jesus, Sun behind all suns, who fires this world we often see as ordinary
with the glorious light of your resurrection, we praise you at this remembrance
of your radiant presence on the mountain before your crucifixion in darkness
on the hill of the skull. As Moses and Elijah saw the fullness of your glory face to face,
so fill us with thankfulness that your light has dawned in our hearts
and that we see you now in faith. At the turning of Epiphany to Lent,
lead us by your Good Spirit to offer up our lives in sacrificial love and worship,
for you are the Light of Light, eternal with the Father and Holy Spirit in glory, Amen.
Holy Spirit, breath of life, our bones are dried up, our hope is lost, and we have cut ourselves off from you. Breathe on us, we pray, your life-giving and renewing power. Create us anew so that the life we have been given in Christ might bring forth his joyous harvest in this world. This we pray in the name of Jesus, our risen, ascended, and living Lord. Amen.
God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of your glory." Lord, your glory alone fills the earth. All the earth was made by you and for you. Give us, your creatures, a glimpse of the beauty you have put in this world so that we might love all creation as you do. In your holy and Triune Name we pray these and all things. Amen.
Jesus, remind us always that the covenant made so long ago included not only humankind, but also the animals of the field, the birds of the air, and the creatures which creep on the ground. We neglect your creation as if it had no importance when we compare it only to ourselves. Forgive the arrogance of our hearts and lead us in your better way. This we pray in thanks to your Father, by the grace of the Spirit, for they rule this world with you in love. Amen.
Holy Spirit, create is us new hearts, hearts that hear the groaning of all creation; for our sin is great and our actions contribute to that groaning. May we see our sins for what they are, sins that first are against you and then against your entire creation. We have not loved you with our whole heart, and therefore have not loved creation as a gift of your hand. Hear us as we pray to you, the Father, and the Son, the Creator, Sustainer, and Restorer of all things. Amen!
Amazing Creator, as your human creatures, we too often lift ourselves above the rest of creation, forsaking it for the sake of our own ambitions and interests. Forgive our arrogance and humble us. Help us serve all creation as Christ humbled himself in service to us. Help us to call upon and rely upon the Holy Spirit for guidance and the strength to serve your creation. In you holy name we pray, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen!
Jesus maker of heaven and earth, we pray for all you have created, including the birds which sing your praise, the cats and dogs which daily welcome us home, the wolf who howls with majestic power, and the trees which? stretch out toward your sun for light and warmth. May we always remember to thank you in prayer and life for the joys we receive from all your creatures. This we pray in your precious name. Amen.
Lord, it is right to thank you for the people you put into our lives each day, but today we thank you for all the other creatures you have given to us as well. Our job is to care for them, but today we thank you for the care they provide us. We too quickly forget the joy and companionship they bring into our lives. We have been blessed by all they give to us. Thank you Heavenly Father for all the creatures you so lovingly give to each other in the economy of creation. In your Triune Name, O God, we pray. Amen.
Heavenly Father, when we are weak in body and spirit we know not what to ask, yet you know our requests before we make them. Help us then, O Lord, make known our requests to you. When we make a plea for strength, strengthen us in our faith towards you. When we are tired, grant our bodies renewal and refreshment in you. When the pain becomes too much, help us trust and know that in you our bodies will be made whole again. Keep us looking toward the new creation when all things will be restored, for in you alone are we made new, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gracious Heavenly Father, we often do not understand our own actions, for we do not do what we want but the very thing we hate. Your hand alone provides all that we need, yet we rarely turn to you for thanks. You clothe us, feed us and provide for our shelter just as you do for all creation, but we continue to abuse and neglect all that you have created. Teach us your ways, O Lord, and show us how to care for all that you have given us. Forgive us and lead us by the grace of Jesus and the power of the Spirit, to your glory and praise. Amen.
Loving Creator, your hand alone creates all being and life. You have called your human creatures to be your hands on this earth, to serve you by serving all you have created. We daily fail in this task, O Lord. Strengthen us to love your creation as you love it, and give us the joy that passes all understanding in our serving of it. Keep us focused not on ourselves but on you alone, for in Jesus our Redeemer's name we pray. Amen.
Gracious Father, we, your creatures, humble ourselves before you. We ask your forgiveness for our selfishness in this world. We have believed that everything you created is for our benefit and gain, which has only turned us further away from you. Turn our hearts and our minds back toward you in order to see the beauty and goodness this world holds. In your precious name, with the Son and the Holy Spirit we pray. Amen.
Lord, we have forgotten the words of your everlasting covenant: "Behold I establish my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the cattle, and every living beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark." Your covenant, O Lord, is everlasting and finds fulfillment in your Son Jesus Christ. May we, today and every day, live and trust in your promise, for in your name alone we pray, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, just as your Son Jesus healed the sick and made the deaf to hear, help us to heal your groaning creation. We have done much to inflict its pain. We have wanted more even when we had plenty; we have stolen when there was little to take. Forgive our sin against your creation. Teach us to love and care for it as you have loved and cared for us. Bless and renew us, we pray, O Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Amen.
Lord, your words strike hard and fast: "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?" All the earth you created by your spoken Word, your Son. Remind us that we are nothing but dust of the earth that you formed to be your people, and that without your Spirit we have no life within us. Forgive our sins and restore us to the joy of your salvation, we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Father in heaven, we listen so easily to the words of those who fill us with vain hopes, those who speak visions of their own minds which turn us from those that come from your mouth, O Lord. Deafen our ears to the false prophets of these days of your new creation through Christ Jesus the Word of Life, who sustains this world with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, throughout Scripture you show us the beauty of the earth, the heights of the mountains, the depths of the seas, the width of the valleys, and the loft of the clouds. All the earth proclaims your grandeur. May we, through our care of creation, acknowledge and respect that beauty as a gift from you our Creator, by the work of the Spirit and to the praise of Jesus' name. Amen.
Lord Jesus, you alone are the bread of life. You bring life to the dead, healing to the sick, and riches to the poor. You daily feed our hungry bodies and souls. In our sinfulness, we have forgotten that you also feed the sparrow, water the seed and provide light to the world. May we, together with all of creation, praise you, the Father, and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
Dear Lord, as the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth with patience, give us that same patience in caring for your creation. Allow us to labor in love when caring for your creation: the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. Let us show respect for the land that daily provides our food. Just as the manna in the desert was your gift, help us patiently await the food of the earth with gratitude in Jesus' name. Amen.
Lord Jesus, our sin weighs heavily upon us. Yet the sin we usually consider is that which we commit against each other: sin of thought or word. But the sin of deed, O Lord, is that sin we commit against your creation and our fellow creatures. We do not love them with our whole heart or mind; instead we misuse and abuse. Forgive our sin against your creation, we pray, and enable us carry out works of sustenance and service to the glory of the Father and the praise of the Spirit. Amen.
O Christ, the remembrance of your death lies faintly before us. We, like your disciples, want to block our ears from hearing the scandal of your death. But we know what your disciples did not know. In your death, new life breaks forth and we, along with all your creation, break free from the chains that bind us; we are made new in you. May we always know that your death sets us free and that in you we are raised up a new creation. We pray in your holy name. Amen.
Holy Spirit, give us the strength to accept your work through us as you create our hearts anew. May we stop doing things that rank as good by human standards and begin doing what is good and right in your eyes. May we humbly serve our neighbor with honesty and truth, and may we see our neighbor not just within humankind but within all creation, for you are our strength and life. Amen.
Heavenly Father, the mountains and hills break out singing, and the trees of the fields clap their hands. Here creation continually shows forth its joy and praise. But we, your people, are not so free in expressing our joy and praise. We have set our minds on the materials things of this world and not on you. We have isolated ourselves from your amazing creation. Forgive us Lord. Renew us so that we too might break out in song and clap our hands for who you are and what you have done, by the power of your Spirit and to the praise of Jesus' name. Amen.
Lord Jesus, you daily invite us to your feast. At that feast you give us with the finest of wine and the finest of marrow. Everything we receive comes from you. May we see your promise confirmed with every morsel we eat and with every drink we take, for you alone provide all our needs. May your food and drink satisfy our hungry hearts forever, and may we worship you, the Father, and the Spirit in gratitude, now and ever. Amen.
Heavenly Father, you must have thought of your creatures' wonder when you made the world because there is such amazing color: the blue of the skies and seas, the green of the grass and trees, the orange of sunset, the yellow of sunrise the array of hues in a rainbow. All these colors reflect your love for us and for all creation. May we, your creatures, delight in the beauty of your creation, see the work of your hand daily, and give you thanks and praise to the glory of your Son, by the grace of your Spirit. Amen.
Jesus, you are Lord of the harvest. You provide the seed, the soil, the rain, and the sun. You provide the land, the farmers and all workers. The harvest depends upon you. You are not only the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, but you are the Present as well. Every day you create new life in our world, whether a child or a tree; you are the Creator of all. So may we live in your praise, O Lord of the harvest, and do all things to the glory of your Father, by the power of your Spirit; now and always. Amen.
Lord, King of all creation, hear our prayer. In the morning may our cry come before you, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made, molded by your hand, O Creator. May our lives reflect your shaping and transforming work. May we be a light to your world and join with all creation singing your praise all the days of our life, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, you took two small fish and five loaves of bread and fed over five thousand people. All who left were satisfied, and, still, twelve basketsful were left over. You provide all we need, but we have not shared your blessings with all. We have misappropriated your grains in order to fatten our calves when others have no grain at all. May we learn to take a little of what we have been given and multiply it for those who have nothing, living as your disciples in this world, O Jesus, our Redeemer and Lord. Amen.
Lord, we, your children, ask your forgiveness. Forgive our greed, our selfish ways, our continual desire to replace you with the idols we have created, idols of silver and gold, of oil and of grain. Although our barns are filled to the brim, our hearts are filled with the desire for more. We never seem to have enough. But in you, we have all we will ever need. Help us to see that, O Lord, and to be filled to the brim with you, O holy and blessed Trinity. Amen.
Jesus, the firstborn of all creation, in you all things were created in heaven and on earth. All things are held together by you. May your name be proclaimed throughout all the earth and into the heavens, for you are Lord of all creation. We are the creatures you have made, so may we bow down before you and praise your holy name, with the Father and the Spirit, forever. Amen.