Lord, you became our brother. You know our need. You carried it on your cross. Grant us your salvation. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, you are the living Lord. You are with us as you promised. Keep us close to you. Lord, have mercy.
Lord, you are seated at the right hand of the Father. Pray for us and strengthen our faith. We look to the day of your coming. Come, Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, have mercy.
or
You are the ever-radiant morning sun; give us courage and love. Lord, have mercy.
You are the living way to life; give us faith and wisdom. Christ, have mercy.
You are the open door to blessedness; give us hope and happiness. Lord, have mercy.
or
Holy Lord God, holy and strong, holy and merciful Savior, our eternal God, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
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. Basil of Caesarea (329–379) spoke of the singing of the Phos Hilaron as a cherished tradition of the church, the hymn being already considered old in his day (though some attribute the composition of the song to Basil himself). (See article on Wikipedia.) 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.
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.
O gladsome light, O grace of God the Father’s face, the eternal splendour wearing; celestial, holy, blest, our Savior 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.
Joyous light of heavenly glory, loving glow of God’s own face, you who sing creation’s story, shine on every land and race. Now as evening falls around us, we shall raise our songs to you. God of daybreak, God of shadows, come and light our hearts anew.
In the stars that grace the darkness, in the blazing sun of dawn, in the light of peace and wisdom, we can hear your quiet song. Love that fills the night with wonder, love that warms the weary soul, love that bursts all chains asunder, set us free and make us whole.
You who made the heaven’s splendor, every dancing star of night, make us shine with gentle justice, let us each reflect your light. Mighty God of all creation, gentle Christ who lights our way, loving Spirit of salvation, lead us on to endless day.
The hymn, “Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory” begins at 0:38.
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.
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, …
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.
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.
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.
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.
Glory and honor be to the Father, and to the + Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give praise and thanksgiving to God, and to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is in heaven. It is good and right so to do.
It is truly good and right, that we should always give thanks to you, O Holy Lord, everlasting Father, almighty God, … Therefore, with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and saying:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory. Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hagios, Hagios, Hagios, Kyrie ho Theos. (Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God.)
Truly holy and blessed are you, O God the Father almighty, for you sent your only Son to take on himself our nature and die for the sins of the whole world. By his cross and passion, he bore the burden of our sins and made an end of atoning sacrifices by that one offering of infinite worth.
Christ the Lord and eternal Redeemer, the day before he suffered, on the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread into his holy and venerable hands, and giving thanks, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my + body, which is given for you. Do this, as often as you eat it, for a commemoration of me.” Amen.
Likewise, after supper, he took the cup, saying, “This is the Cup of the New Testament in my + blood which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, for a commemoration of me.” Amen.
Doing this, most holy Father, with these your holy gifts, which we now offer you, [1] we show forth the death of your only-begotten Son, by which we were redeemed, as he commanded us to do until he himself should come again, remembering his glorious passion, resurrection, and ascension, giving you most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured to us by the same.
And we most humbly pray that, by the same Spirit by whom your blessed Son became incarnate for us, the holy and undivided Trinity would bless and sanctify these gifts and creatures of bread and wine, that we, receiving them according to our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution, may be made partakers of his most blessed body and blood. Amen.
Graciously hear us, O holy Lord our God, and through these your good gifts sanctified by you, grant us, your unworthy servants, your blessing to life eternal. Amen.
Source: From “Through Your Mercy, O Our God…” Prayers from the Mozarabic Church.
[1] In the early church, it was the custom for members of the church to present bread and wine as gifts to be used for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, which is the “offering” (offerimus) mentioned here. Note that the offering of the bread and wine are the only things spoken of as an offering on the part of worshipers or priest. Also, earlier it is noted that Christ “made an end of atoning sacrifices by that one offering of infinite worth.”
Lord God, grant that we, your servants, may rejoice in constant health of mind and body, that we may be delivered from our present sorrows, and rejoice with you forever; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Latin original has this phrase after “…of mind and body,”: “…and through the intercession of the glorious, blessed perpetual Virgin Mary, be delivered from our present sorrows…”
Original in Latin:
Concéde nos fámulos tuos, quǽsumus Dómine Deus, perpétua mentis et córporis sanitáte gaudére: et gloriósa beátæ Maríæ semper Vírginis intercessióne, a præsénti liberári tristítia, et ætérna pérfrui lætítia. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.
The Liturgy of Addai and Mari has been in continuous use in the Church of the East since at least the 7th century. Parts of it may be from as early as the fifth century. It is part of the Persian Rite, with roots in Nestorian Christianity. The version presented below includes the Words of Institution (Verba), but originally it did not, and so for many years it was questioned as a valid rite for use in the church. Parts of the eucharistic prayer are the basis of the Prayer of Thanksgiving in The Service: Setting Two in Christian Worship: Hymnal (2021).
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and forever. Amen.
Lift up your hearts. To you, O God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, O glorious King!
We bring this offering to God, the Lord of all.[1] It is good and right.
Peace be with us.
Silent prayer by the priest.
O Lord, give us sincerity before you that with your boldness we may accomplish this living and holy service with our consciences cleansed from all evil and bitterness, and plant within us love and peace and concord toward one another and toward all people.
The priest then rises and prays aloud, stretching out his hands:
Worthy of praise from every mouth, worthy of confession from every tongue, worthy of worship and exaltation from every creature is your adorable and glorious name, O glorious Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. You created the world and all who live in it by your mercy, and you saved humanity by your compassion, and you give great grace to mortals.
Your majesty, O Lord, thousands upon thousands on high bow down and worship, and ten thousand times ten thousand holy angels and hosts of heaven, servants of fire and spirit, praise your name with holy cherubim and spiritual seraphim offering worship to your majesty, shouting and praising without ceasing, crying out to one another and saying:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of his praises, and the nature of his being, and the excellency of his glorious splendor. Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Silent prayer by the priest.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of his praises, and the nature of his being, and the excellency of his glorious splendor, even as I fill heaven and earth, says the Lord. Holy are you, God the Father of truth, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and earth is named. Holy are you, eternal Son, by whom all things were made. Holy are you, Holy Spirit, by whom all things are sanctified. I am doomed! I am ruined, because I am a man with unclean lips, and I dwell among a people with unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts! How awe-inspiring is this place, for this day I have seen the Lord face to face. This is nothing other than the house of God, and this is the gate to heaven. And now, O Lord, let your grace be on us and purge our uncleanness and sanctify our lips and blend our weak voices with the hallowing of the seraphim and the halleluiahs of the angels. Praise be to your mercies for you have made creatures of dust partakers with spiritual beings!
The priest rises and says aloud:
Bless, O my Lord. Bless, O my Lord. Bless, O my Lord. My brothers, pray for me.
The priest continues:
With these heavenly hosts we give you thanks, O my Lord, even though we your servants are weak and frail and miserable, for you have given us great grace by taking on our human flesh that you might enliven it by your divinity, and have exalted our low estate, restored our fall, raised our mortality, forgiven our trespasses, justified our sinfulness, and enlightened our knowledge. Lord our God, you have condemned our enemies and have granted victory to the weakness of our frail nature in the overflowing mercies of your grace.
[Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “Take, eat. This is my + body, which is broken 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.”]
For all your help and grace toward us, let us give you praise and honor and confession and worship, now and forever. Amen.
Pray in your minds. Peace be with us.
__________
Source: Liturgies Eastern and Westernedited by F. E. Brightman, Oxford, Clearendon Press, 1896. The Persian Rite, and The Liturgy of the Nestorians, p. 283-286.
This version, prepared for www.acollectionofprayers.com, was freely modified for contemporary language, and to highlight the poetic nature of the content.
In the early church, it was the custom for members of the church to present bread and wine as gifts to be used for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, which is the “offering” or “setting before” (offerimus) mentioned here. Later (especially in the Council of Trent), the Lord’s Supper was wrongly viewed as a re-sacrificing of Christ’s body and blood. (See Hebrews 7:27 and 9:26).
A Collection of Prayers 