Collect for the First Sunday in Lent
Your Son, O God, fasted in the wilderness forty days, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: grow us in obedience to your Spirit, so by observing discipline we may be truly disciples, and that in our weakness we may know your power to save; through our Brother, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Morning Exsultet
Let’s say you are a pastor or worship planner whose church doesn’t do an Easter Vigil. But you want to share some of the rich tradition of that service with your congregation members. What do you do? Why, you adapt the Exsultet for use during the ordinary prayer time on Easter morning! This is my … Read more
A Collect for Just Before Dawn
Bright Morning Star, You guide those who stumble at night and illuminate the path of holiness: Burst upon our sin-sick senses with your glorious light, so that even in this present darkness we may have the faith to be the people you are calling us to become; by the burning light of the Holy Spirit, … Read more
Offertory Prayer (17 January 2010)
When the earth quakes, buildings collapse, and lives are destroyed– we ask, “Where are you, O God?” When communities need rebuilding, the afflicted need healing, the sorrowful need comforting, the dead prayerful remembrance– God asks, “Where are you, my people?” May our trust in your faithful love be converted into gifts and works of love … Read more
What to Get a Savior Who Already Has Everything?
There’s a lot of talk these days about Christ and Christmas, and what’s appropriate to say and do at this time of year, especially as a person of faith. With so many going to worship this evening to inaugurate the Christmas season, I thought perhaps a brief word on the subject might be appropriate. One … Read more
O Emmanuel (December 23)
O EMMANUEL, our ruler and lawgiver, the expectation and savior of the nations: Come and set us free, O Lord our God. O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lowly exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O Rex Gentium (December 22)
O RULER OF THE GENTILES, their treasure and the cornerstone that binds them in one: Come and save those whom you formed from the dust. O come, Desire of nations bind all peoples in one heart and mind. From dust thou brought us forth to life; deliver us from earthly strife. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall … Read more
O Oriens (December 21)
O DAWN from on high, splendor of God’s light and sun of justice: Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness, in the shadow of death. O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thy justice here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel … Read more
O Clavis David (December 20)
O KEY OF DAVID and scepter of Israel: You open and no one shall shut; you shut and no one shall open. Come and release from the prison house those who sit in darkness, in the shadow of death. O come, thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home. The captives from … Read more
O Radix Jesse (December 19)
O ROOT OF JESSE: You stand as a signal before your people. Monarchs close their mouths because of you; to you all nations shall bow. Come and deliver us without delay. O come, thou Root of Jesse’s tree, an ensign of thy people be; before thee rulers silent fall; all peoples on thy mercy call. … Read more
