Featured Prayers: Sundays after Trinity / Pentecost

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[A work in progress…]

Collects of the Day

The following prayers / collects were originally composed or chosen to go with the historic lectionary, a series of lessons that developed in the early church. It was a one-year series, that is, the same lessons would be read on the same Sundays, each year. For the historic lectionary on an interactive calendar, see www.sanctus.org.

Most of the collects designated as “historic” come from the sacramentaries of the Roman church.

The collects designated as “Mozarabic” come from the ancient Spanish church around the year AD 700. The Mozarabic church was isolated from the rest of Europe while Spain was occupied by Muslims. The Mozarabic tradition of liturgy and prayer developed independently from worship in Europe and Rome.

Veit Dietrich was a friend and associate of Martin Luther, and these prayers were written in the 1540s as part of a commentary on the historic gospels. They appeared in The Lutheran Hymnary (1913), a worship book prepared by Norwegian-American Lutherans.

Summer and Fall Commemorations

Praying with the Readings: Reformation Promotion

Three of the Praying with the Readings books will be on sale from October 4 through November 1. These books will be available for around 20% off regular price when purchased through Lulu.com

Praying with the Readings, Year A


Regular price: $32.00
Reformation Promotion: $25.00

Praying with the Readings, Historic

Regular price: $32.00
Reformation Promotion: $25.00

Praying with the Readings, Minor Festivals and Occasions

Regular price: $24.00
Reformation Promotion: $19.00

O Gracious Light – Phos Hilaron

Usually, A Collection of Prayers does not feature hymns, since another fine website, Hymnary.org, has extensive information, multiple translations, and charts on hymns appearance in hymnals. “O Gracious Light” is an exception because of its liturgical use.

“O Gracious Light” was first recorded by an unknown author in the Apostolic Constitutions, which was written in the late 3rd or early 4th century. It is an evening hymn, often used as part of the Lucernarium, the Service of Light. Ideally, candles would be lit as the hymn is sung. Several versions of Vespers (Evening Prayer) include some version of “O Gracious Light” as an opening hymn.

O gracious light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!

Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.

Source: Book of Common Prayer (U. S.), 1979, p. 112.

Original in Greek:

Φῶς ἱλαρὸν
ἁγίας δόξης ἀθανάτου Πατρός, οὐρανίου,
ἁγίου, μάκαρος, Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ,

ἐλθόντες ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλίου δύσιν,
ἰδόντες φῶς ἑσπερινόν,
ὑμνοῦμεν Πατέρα, Υἱόν, καὶ ἅγιον Πνεῦμα, Θεόν.

Ἄξιόν σε ἐν πᾶσι καιροῖς ὑμνεῖσθαι φωναῖς αἰσίαις,
Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ζωὴν ὁ διδούς·
διὸ ὁ κόσμος σὲ δοξάζει.

“O Gracious Light” has been translated into English many times into both prose and poetic versions.

Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978 (Prose)

Joyous light of glory of the immortal Father,
Heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ,
We have come to the setting of the Sun
And we look to the evening light.
We sing to God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy of being praised with pure voices forever.
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
The universe proclaims your glory.

This is a copyrighted text, © 1978 Augsburg Fortress Publishers

Robert Bridges, d. 1930 (Poetic)

O gladsome light, O grace
of God the Father’s face,
the eternal splendour wearing;
celestial, holy, blest,
our Saviour Jesus Christ,
joyful in thine appearing.

Now, ere day fadeth quite,
we see the evening light,
our wonted hymn outpouring;
Father of might unknown,
thee, his incarnate Son,
and Holy Spirit adoring.

To thee of right belongs
all praise of holy songs,
O Son of God, Lifegiver;
thee, therefore, O Most High,
the world doth glorify,
and shall exalt forever.

F. Bland Tucker, d. 1984 (Poetic)

O gracious Light, Lord Jesus Christ,
in you the Father’s glory shone.
Immortal, holy, blest is he,
and blest are you, his holy Son.

Now sunset comes, but light shines forth,
the lamps are lit to pierce the night.
Praise Father, Son, and Spirit; God
who dwells in the eternal light.

Worthy are you of endless praise,
O Son of God, Life-giving Lord;
wherefore you are through all the earth
and in the highest heaven adored.

This is a copyrighted text, © The Church Pension Fund

The Way of Recovery, Now Available through Lulu.com

The Way of Recovery has been available on A Collection of Prayers since January 2022, both to read online and to download as a printable booklet. You can click here to go to the page.

The Way of Recovery can now be purchased as a pre-printed booklet through Lulu.com. We’re making it available for $5.50, which is close to the cost of printing.

35 pages.

The Anaphora of St. Mark

This version is condensed from the Liturgy of St. Mark. The original contains much repetition, along with many petitions for people, the church, the government, good weather, bountiful harvest, and remembrance of the faithful departed. A version for modern use follows.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
And with your spirit.

Let us lift up our hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.

Let us give thanks unto the Lord.
It is meet and just so to do.

It is truly good and right that we should worship you, sing to you, and give thanks to you with unceasing praise, Living One, Lord God, Father almighty.

You made all things in heaven and on earth. You made mankind in your holy image and gave them the delights of Paradise. When our first parents fell, you raised them up again with your promise of a Savior, who is your holy Wisdom, your true Light, your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. …

You are above all power and dominion, might and authority, and every name in this world and in the world to come. Before you stand countless ranks of angels and archangels, who serve you day and night, and see the glory of your presence, crying out with unceasing praise. We join our voices with them, crying aloud and declaring the majesty of your glory:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Truly heaven and earth are full of your glory in the appearing of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. Give us your heavenly blessing by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit.

For the Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way, after the meal, he also took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 
Amen.

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
We proclaim your death, O Lord, and we confess your resurrection. …

We present to you the gifts you have given us, and we pray that you would send your Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Spirit of truth, that he would strengthen us with his power and enlighten us with his gifts. Bless and hallow this bread and wine, that through Christ’s body and blood we may be strengthened in faith, healed, sanctified, and renewed in body soul, and spirit, that your name may be praised, our sins forgiven, and in this and all places, your holy name may be hallowed, with your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen. …

The mercies of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all.
And with your spirit.

Our Father…

The peace of the Lord be with you all.
And with your spirit.

Source: Shortened and condensed from https://www.trinityorthodox.ca/sites/default/files/Liturgy%20of%20St%20Mark.pdf

Arranged for modern use:

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord…

The minister speaks the Proper Preface, concluding with:

Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Living One, Lord God, Father Almighty, you made all things in heaven and on earth. You made mankind in your holy image and gave them the delights of Paradise. When our first parents fell, you raised them up again with your promise of a Savior, who is your holy Wisdom, your true Light, your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.

You are above all power and dominion, might and authority, and every name in this world and in the world to come. Before you stand countless ranks of angels and archangels, who serve you day and night, and see the glory of your presence, crying out with unceasing praise.

Send us your Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Spirit of truth, that he would strengthen us with his power and enlighten us with his gifts. Bless and hallow this this Holy Supper, that through Christ’s body and blood we may be strengthened in faith, healed, sanctified, and renewed in body soul, and spirit, that your name may be praised, our sins forgiven, and in this and all places, your holy name may be hallowed, with your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.

Our Father,…

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, …

Praying with the Readings: Series Now Complete

NOTE: Reformation Sale, October 3 through November 1. 20% off select books. Click here for more information!

Praying with the Readings

The Praying with the Readings series strives to create Prayers of the Church (Prayers of Intercession, Prayers of the People) using classic forms and presenting the needs of God’s people in fresh ways. Prayers for each Sunday and Major Festival are composed of several petitions that reflect on the thoughts in the readings for the day.

Purchase of the print copies entitles you to download electronic files for free. Details on downloading and directions for finding passwords are in the printed copies.

Praying with the Readings, Year A

Praying with the Readings, Year B

Praying with the Readings, Year C

Praying with the Readings, Historic

Praying with the Readings, Minor Festivals and Occasions

Now and Forever: Contemporary Collects

Now and Forever: Contemporary Collects has now been re-edited to be a companion to the Praying with the Readings series. The new edition now has a section with the prayers arranged for use with the Historic Lectionary. An index has suggestions for prayers to use on minor festivals and the most commonly used occasions.

Again, purchase of the print copy entitles you to download electronic files for free. Details on downloading and directions for finding passwords are in the printed copy.

Now and Forever: Contemporary Collects

The previous edition looked like the image at the left.

Praying with the Readings, Year B is now available in print through Lulu

NEW!

Praying with the Readings, Year B is now available in print through Lulu.

This resource strives to create Prayers of the Church (Prayers of Intercession, Prayers of the People) using classic forms and presenting the needs of God’s people in fresh ways. Prayers for each Sunday are composed of several petitions that reflect on the thoughts in the readings for the day.

Purchase of the print copy entitles you to download electronic files for free. Details on downloading and directions for finding passwords are in the printed copy.

Prayers are based on the Christian Worship: Hymnal (2021) lectionary, but are compatible with other lectionaries based on the Revised Common Lectionary. A conversion table is included for users of older lectionaries.

Download a preview of prayers for Advent through Epiphany.

Purchase through Lulu.

Praying with the Readings, Year A is now available in print through Lulu

NEW!

Praying with the Readings, Year A is now available in print through Lulu.

This resource strives to create Prayers of the Church (Prayers of Intercession, Prayers of the People) using classic forms and presenting the needs of God’s people in fresh ways. Prayers for each Sunday are composed of several petitions that reflect on the thoughts in the readings for the day.

Purchase of the print copy entitles you to download electronic files for free. Details on downloading and directions for finding passwords are in the printed copy.

Prayers are based on the Christian Worship: Hymnal (2021) lectionary, but are compatible with other lectionaries based on the Revised Common Lectionary. A conversion table is included for users of older lectionaries.

Download a preview of prayers for Advent through Epiphany.

Purchase through Lulu.

A Collection of Prayers Annual Report, June 18, 2022

Today marks the 6th anniversary of A Collection of Prayers. 

Views

Views in the past year show a steady growth compared to past years. The COVID lockdowns gave people occasions to look for prayers, and word seems to be spreading about our large database of classic prayers.

Searches and hits on “Lord, Have Mercy” and “In the Midst of Life We Are in Death” are still near the top, but “Sanctus / Holy, Holy, Holy” has risen to be the top item.

The chief views continue to be from English speaking countries (U.S., U. K., Canada and Australia), but there is growing usage from the Philippines, India and South Africa. We even got seven hits from Vatican City! (The Vatican is looking to http://www.acollectionofprayers.com to do their prayer research!?!) There are very few countries that haven’t viewed A Collection of Prayers. 

Links to A Collection of Prayers

WordPress lets me see referrers, that is, other websites that have a link to A Collection of Prayers. The biggest referrers are Christian spirituality websites (www.christianity.com, www.crosswalk.com) and a liturgy website (www.liturgies.net), followed by individual ministries, churches, and even denominational websites.

A Collection of Prayers: Publications

The sale of books pays for the website and supports research. Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church and The Antiphonary of Bangor remain the top sellers. Old books will continue to be published and sold through Kindle Direct Publishing and Amazon. New books will be published and sold through Lulu.com, which also distributes through Amazon.com.

A Collection of Prayers: Digital Products

ACOP ventured into digital products, focusing on downloadable resources for worship planners. Sales were slow. For that reason, along with the expense of maintaining an account with a vendor that handled e-commerce, and the question of sales tax, the digital products were discontinued and were converted to print products with directions on how to find passwords in the printed books and download from http://www.acollectionofprayers.com. This way, sales and distribution of resources for worship planners can continue without the added expense of an e-commerce site and taxes.

In free digital product downloads, The Way of the Nativity and The Way of Recovery were released in the last year.

Beyond This Website, Books and Products

Various denominational and devotional publishers have contacted me about using A Collection of Prayers as a source. We are always happy to share our work.

Praying with the Readings, Historic is now available in print through Lulu

It’s back!

Praying with the Readings, Historic is now available in print through Lulu.

This resource strives to create Prayers of the Church (Prayers of Intercession, Prayers of the People) using classic forms and presenting the needs of God’s people in fresh ways. Prayers for each Sunday are composed of several petitions that reflect on the thoughts in the readings for the day.

Purchase of the print copy entitles you to download electronic files for free. Details on downloading and directions for finding passwords are in the printed copy.

Prayers are based on the Historic Lectionary as found in Christian Worship: Hymnal (2021), but are compatible with other lectionaries based on the Historic Lectionary (Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary, Lutheran Service Book, The Lutheran Hymnal).

Download a preview of prayers for Advent through Christmas.

Purchase through Lulu.

Prayer Reflecting on the School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas, May 25, 2022

Father in heaven, your holy Word tells us to mourn with those who mourn, and to not repay evil with evil, but to overcome evil with good (Romans 12).

Day by day your people pray “Deliver us from evil.” It grieves us to see evil and violence. We are grieved once again by the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

  • We pray for those who live with anger—move them to seek help and move friends, family and others who sense that anger to help them.
  • We pray for those who were injured—if it is your will, speed the healing of wounds to body and mind.
  • We pray for those who have the duty to protect and serve—give them strength to do their work with perseverance and patience.
  • We pray for the friends and families of those who were killed—draw them to yourself. Lead them to find comfort, hope, healing and peace in you.
  • We also pray that we may give faithful witness for the hope that we have, with gentleness and respect, that those around us may be led by us to you, and that they may be moved and enlightened by your gospel of peace.

…through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Modified from https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/07/08/prayer-reflecting-on-the-shooting-in-dallas-texas-july-8-2016/