The Collect during Lent

HT: the idea for this post comes from Weedon's blog


One aspect of the Divine Service that often people don't understand is the role of the Collect. The Collect of the Day is a historic, short prayer that the pastor prays on behalf of the gathered congregation during the Service of the Word. These are prayers that (in modified form) have been handed down to us over the centuries from the pre-Reformation unified Catholic Church. Typically, they take up the Gospel theme of the day- taking its note from the assigned reading of the Holy Gospel.


I have copied out the actual petition component of each collect below for the entire season of Lent. As you read them, consider what it is that each petition is asking of God. To my mind, these prayers are not only beautiful and well-crafted, their content is breath-taking and goes right to the heart of everything we need from our loving and gracious Triune God- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

"Create in us new and contrite hearts that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may receive from You full pardon and forgiveness" (Ash Wednesday)

"Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come" (Lent I)

"By Your might power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul" (Lent II)

"Be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word" (Lent III)

"Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience" (Lent IV)

"Mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul" (Lent V)

"Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection." (Sun. of the Passion)

It truly is a season of bold requests to present at the throne of grace! May these prayers of the Church be your prayers throughout Lent - today - and every day.