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Binding Type: 1979 Book of Common Prayer

The Collects: Contemporary – Seasons of the Year

First Sunday of Advent

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of
darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of
this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit
us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come
again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the
dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.

Preface of Advent


Second Sunday of Advent

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to
preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation:
Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,
that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our
Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Advent

Collects:  Contemporary    211


Third Sunday of Advent

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come
among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,
let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver
us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and
the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Advent

Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week are the traditional winter
Ember Days.


Fourth Sunday of Advent

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation,
that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a
mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Preface of Advent


The Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Day    December 25

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth
of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully
receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence
behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.

or this

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the
brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known
the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him
perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he
lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

212    Collects:  Contemporary


or this

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to
take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure
virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made
your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed
by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom
with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and
for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Incarnation

The Collect immediately preceding and any of the sets of Proper Lessons
for Christmas Day serve for any weekdays between Holy Innocents’ Day
and the First Sunday after Christmas Day.


First Sunday after Christmas Day

This Sunday takes precedence over the three Holy Days which follow
Christmas Day. As necessary, the observance of one, two, or all three
of them, is postponed one day.

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of
your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our
hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Incarnation


The Holy Name    January 1

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name
of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart,
we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our
Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Preface of the Incarnation

Collects:  Contemporary    213


Second Sunday after Christmas Day

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully
restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may
share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share
our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Incarnation


The Epiphany    January 6

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son
to the Peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by
faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to
face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany

The preceding Collect, with the Psalm and Lessons for the Epiphany, or
those for the Second Sunday after Christmas, serves for weekdays
between the Epiphany and the following Sunday. The Preface of the
Epiphany is used.


First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River
Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him
with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his
Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly
confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany

214    Collects:  Contemporary


Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light
of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word
and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s
glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the
ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with
you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany, or of the Lord’s Day


Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our
Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News
of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive
the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany, or of the Lord’s Day


Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in
heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of
your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany, or of the Lord’s Day

Collects:  Contemporary    215


Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us
the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known
to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany, or of the Lord’s Day


Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you:
Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness
we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your
grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please
you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany, or of the Lord’s Day


Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

O Lord, you have taught us that without love whatever we
do is worth nothing; Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our
hearts your greatest gift, which is love, the true bond of peace
and of all virtue, without which whoever lives is accounted
dead before you. Grant this for the sake of your only Son
Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany, or of the Lord’s Day


Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany

Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for
all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all

216    Collects:  Contemporary


our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless
fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life
may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal,
and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ
our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany, or of the Lord’s Day


Last Sunday after the Epiphany

This Proper is always used on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son
revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that
we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be
strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his
likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany


Ash Wednesday

The Proper Liturgy for this day is on page 264.

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have
made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and
make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily
lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission
and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Preface of Lent

This Collect, with the corresponding Psalm and Lessons, also serves for
the weekdays which follow, except as otherwise appointed.

Collects:  Contemporary    217


First Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be
tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted
by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of
each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Lent

Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week are the traditional spring
Ember Days.


Second Sunday in Lent

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: 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, Jesus Christ
your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Lent


Third Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves
to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and
inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all
adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil
thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Lent

218    Collects:  Contemporary


Fourth Sunday in Lent

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down
from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world:
Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in
him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Lent


Fifth Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly
wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to
love what you command and desire what you promise; that,
among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts
may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Lent


Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

The Proper Liturgy for this day is on page 270.

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the
human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to
take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross,
giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant
that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share
in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Preface of Holy Week

Collects:  Contemporary    219


Monday in Holy Week

Almighty God, whose dear Son went not up to joy but
first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he
was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way
of the cross, may find it none other that the way of life and
peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Preface of Holy Week


Tuesday in Holy Week

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an
instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life:
Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly
suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior
Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Holy Week


Wednesday in Holy Week

Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be
whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept
joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the
glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Holy Week

220    Collects:  Contemporary



Maundy Thursday

The Proper Liturgy for this day is on page 274.

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he
suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood:
Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in
remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy
mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Preface of Holy Week


Good Friday

The Proper Liturgy for this day is on page 276.

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your
family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be
betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer
death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Holy Saturday

The Proper Liturgy for this day is on page 283.

O God, Creator of heaven and earth:  Grant that, as the
crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and
rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the
coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life;
who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Collects:  Contemporary    221


Easter Day

The Liturgy of the Easter Vigil is on page 285.

O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten
Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection
delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die
daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of
his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

or this

O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the
glory of the Lord’s resurrection: Stir up in your Church that
Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we,
being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in
sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

or this

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus
Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of
everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the
day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death
of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Easter


Monday in Easter Week

Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with
awe the Paschal feast may be found worthy to attain to

222    Collects:  Contemporary


everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.

Preface of Easter


Tuesday in Easter Week

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus
Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to
light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may
abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the
Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Easter


Wednesday in Easter Week

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his
disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith,
that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives
and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Easter


Thursday in Easter Week

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery
established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all
who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body
may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Easter

Collects:  Contemporary    223


Friday in Easter Week

Almighty Father, who gave your only Son to die for our sins
and to rise for our justification: Give us grace so to put away
the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always
serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Easter


Saturday in Easter Week

We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us
from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the
kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he
has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal
joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Preface of Easter


Second Sunday of Easter

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery
established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all
who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body
may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Easter


Third Sunday of Easter

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his
disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith,
that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives

224    Collects:  Contemporary


and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Easter


Fourth Sunday of Easter

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people;
Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who
calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with
you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Preface of Easter


Fifth Sunday of Easter

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant
us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way,
the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his
steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ
your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Easter


Sixth Sunday of Easter

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good
things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such
love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above
all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we
can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Easter

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week are the traditional
Rogation Days.

Collects:  Contemporary    225


Ascension Day

Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ
ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things:
Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his
promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end
of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory
everlasting. Amen.

or this

Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your
only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended
into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend,
and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Ascension

Either of the preceding Collects, with the proper Psalm and Lessons for
Ascension Day, serves for the following weekdays, except as otherwise
appointed.


Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Sunday after Ascension Day

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son
Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to
strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior
Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Preface of the Ascension

226    Collects:  Contemporary


The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday

When a Vigil of Pentecost is observed, it begins with the Service of Light,
page 109 (substituting, if desired, the Gloria in Excelsis for the Phos
hilaron), and continues with the Salutation and Collect of the Day. Three
or more of the appointed Lessons are read before the Gospel, each
followed by a Psalm, Canticle, or hymn. Holy Baptism or Confirmation
(beginning with the Presentation of the Candidates), or the Renewal of
Baptismal Vows, page 292, follows the Sermon.

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life
to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy
Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the
preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the
earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

or this

O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful
people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit:
Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all
things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.

Preface of Pentecost

On the weekdays which follow, the numbered Proper which corresponds
most closely to the date of Pentecost in that year is used. See page 158.

Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week are the traditional summer
Ember Days.

Collects:  Contemporary    227


First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us
your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to
acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the
power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep
us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to
see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with
the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Preface of Trinity Sunday

On the weekdays which follow, the numbered Proper which corresponds
most closely to the date of Trinity Sunday in that year is used.

The Season after Pentecost

Directions for the use of the Propers which follow are on page 158.

Proper 1    Week of the Sunday closest to May 11

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not
what we deserve; and, as you have called us to your service,
make us worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

No Proper Preface is used.


Proper 2    Week of the Sunday closest to May 18

Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, we
pray, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready

228    Collects:  Contemporary


both in mind and body, may accomplish with free hearts
those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

No Proper Preface is used.


Proper 3    The Sunday closest to May 25

Grant, O Lord, that the course of this world may be
peaceably governed by your providence; and that your
Church may joyfully serve you in confidence and serenity;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 4    The Sunday closest to June 1

O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things
both in heaven and earth: Put away from us, we entreat you,
all hurtful things, and give us those things which are profitable
for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 5    The Sunday closest to June 8

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your
inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by
your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day

Collects:  Contemporary    229


Proper 6    The Sunday closest to June 15

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast
faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim
your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with
compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 7    The Sunday closest to June 22

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your
holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom
you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 8    The Sunday closest to June 29

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself
being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together
in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a
holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface to the Lord’s Day


Proper 9    The Sunday closest to July 6

O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments
by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your
Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole

230    Collects:  Contemporary


heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 10    The Sunday closest to July 13

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who
call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand
what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and
power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 11    The Sunday closest to July 20

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our
necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have
compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those
things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our
blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 12    The Sunday closest to July 27

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom
nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon
us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so
pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface to the Lord’s Day

Collects:  Contemporary    231


Proper 13    The Sunday closest to August 3

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your
Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without
your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 14    The Sunday closest to August 10

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always
those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without
you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 15    The Sunday closest to August 17

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a
sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us
grace to receive thankfully the fruits of this redeeming work,
and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 16    The Sunday closest to August 24

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered
together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your
power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name;

232    Collects:  Contemporary


through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 17    The Sunday closest to August 31

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good
things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in
us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth
in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 18    The Sunday closest to September 7

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as
you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength,
so you never forsake those who make their boast of your
mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 19    The Sunday closest to September 14

O God, because without you we are not able to please you,
mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct
and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day

The Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after September 14 are the
traditional autumnal Ember Days.

Collects:  Contemporary    233


Proper 20    The Sunday closest to September 21

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to
love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among
things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall
endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 21    The Sunday closest to September 28

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing
mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we,
running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of
your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for
ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 22    The Sunday closest to October 5

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to
hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire
or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy,
forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid,
and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy
to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus
Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 23    The Sunday closest to October 12

Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and
follow us, that we may continually be given to good works;

234    Collects:  Contemporary


through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 24    The Sunday closest to October 19

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed
your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your
mercy, that your Church throughout the world may
persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 25    The Sunday closest to October 26

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of
faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you
promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 26    The Sunday closest to November 2

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your
faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant
that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly
promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day

Collects:  Contemporary    235


Proper 27    The Sunday closest to November 9

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might
destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God
and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may
purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again
with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his
eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 28    The Sunday closest to November 16

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for
our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn,
and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever
hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have
given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day


Proper 29    The Sunday closest to November 23

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all
things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of
lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided
and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together
under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Lord’s Day, or of Baptism

236    Collects:  Contemporary


The Collects: Contemporary – Holy Days

Saint Andrew    November 30

Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew
that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and
brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by
your holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to
bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.

Preface of Apostles


Saint Thomas    December 21

Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with
firm and certain faith in your Son’s resurrection: Grant us so
perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our
Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting
in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Apostles


Saint Stephen    December 26

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the
first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed
for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at
your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Preface of the Incarnation

Collects:  Contemporary    237


Saint John    December 27

Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light,
that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and
evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that
at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Incarnation


The Holy Innocents    December 28

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy
innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray,
into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your
great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish
your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit,, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Incarnation


Confession of Saint Peter    January 18

Almighty Father, who inspired Saint Peter, first among the
apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God:
Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, so that
in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow
the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Apostles


Conversion of Saint Paul    January 25

O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have
caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world:

238    Collects:  Contemporary


Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in
remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following
his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Apostles


The Presentation    February 2

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your
only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so
we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by
Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany


Saint Matthias    February 24

Almighty God, who in the place of Judas chose your faithful
servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve: Grant that
your Church, being delivered from false apostles, may always
be guided and governed by faithful and true pastors; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Apostles


Saint Joseph    March 19

O God, who from the family of your servant David raised
up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the
spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his
uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany

Collects:  Contemporary    239


The Annunciation    March 25

Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have
known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced
by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion
be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and
reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany


Saint Mark    April 25

Almighty God, by the hand of Mark the evangelist you have
given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of
God: We thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be
firmly grounded in its truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of All Saints


Saint Philip and Saint James    May 1

Almighty God, who gave to your apostles Philip and James grace
and strength to bear witness to the truth: Grant that we, being
mindful of their victory of faith, may glorify in life and death the
Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Apostles


The Visitation    May 31

Father in heaven, by your grace the virgin mother of your
incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more
blessed in keeping your word: Grant us who honor the
exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her
devotion to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who

240    Collects:  Contemporary


lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for
ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany


Saint Barnabas    June 11

Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your
faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown
but the well-being of your Church, gave generously of his
life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread
of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Preface of Apostles


The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist    June 24

Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the
Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of
your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to
follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent
according to his preaching; and, following his example,
constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently
suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Advent


Saint Peter and Saint Paul    June 29

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified
you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by
their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your
Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which
is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Apostles

Collects:  Contemporary    241


Independence Day    July 4

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this
country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the
torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and
all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our
liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Collect “For the Nation,” page 258, may be used instead.

Preface of Trinity Sunday


Saint Mary Magdalene    July 22

Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene
to health of body and of mind, and called her to be a witness
of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by your grace we
may be healed from all our infirmities and know you in the
power of his unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit
lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of All Saints


Saint James    July 25

O gracious God, we remember before you today your servant
and apostle James, first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom
for the Name of Jesus Christ; and we pray that you will pour
out upon the leaders of your Church that spirit of self-denying
service by which alone they may have true authority among
your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever. Amen.

Preface of the Apostles

242    Collects:  Contemporary


The Transfiguration    August 6

O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses
your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment
white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being
delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith
behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and
you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany


Saint Mary the Virgin    August 15

O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary,
mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been
redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your
eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Incarnation


Saint Bartholomew    August 24

Almighty and everlasting God, who gave to your apostle
Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your
Word: Grant that your Church may love what he believed
and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Apostles

Collects:  Contemporary    243


Holy Cross Day    September 14

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted
high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to
himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery
of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and
follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Preface of Holy Week


Saint Matthew    September 21

We thank you, heavenly Father, for the witness of your apostle
and evangelist Matthew to the Gospel of your Son our Savior;
and we pray that, after his example, we may with ready wills
and hearts obey the calling of our Lord to follow him;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Apostles


Saint Michael and All Angels    September 29

Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a
wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals:
Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and
worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may
help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Trinity Sunday


Saint Luke    October 18

Almighty God, who inspired your servant Luke the physician
to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of your
Son: Graciously continue in your Church this love and power

244    Collects:  Contemporary


to heal, to the praise and glory of your Name; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of All Saints


Saint James of Jerusalem    October 23

Grant, O God, that, following the example of your servant
James the Just, brother of our Lord, your Church may give
itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all
who are at variance and enmity; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of All Saints


Saint Simon and Saint Jude    October 28

O God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles,
and especially on this day for Simon and Jude; and we pray
that, as they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so we
may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Apostles


All Saint’s Day    November 1

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one
communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son
Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those
ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love
you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy
Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Preface of All Saints

Collects:  Contemporary    245


Thanksgiving Day

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the
fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those
who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of
your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and
the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Prayers of the People, the Litany of Thanksgiving on page 836
may be used.

Preface of Trinity Sunday

246    Collects:  Contemporary


The Collects: Contemporary – The Common of Saints

The festival of a saint is observed in accordance with the rules of
precedence set forth in the Calendar of the Church year.

At the discretion of the Celebrant, and as appropriate, any of the
following Collects, with one of the corresponding sets of Psalms and
Lessons, may be used

a) at the commemoration of a saint listed in the Calendar for which no
Proper is provided in this Book

b) at the patronal festival or commemoration of a saint not listed in
the Calendar.


Of a Martyr

Almighty God, who gave your servant N. boldness to
confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers

246    Collects:  Contemporary


of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we
may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in
us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

or this

Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyr
N. triumphed over suffering and was faithful even to death:
Grant us, who now remember him in thanksgiving, to be so
faithful in our witness to you in this world, that we may
receive with him the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

or this

Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your
love in the heart of your holy martyr N.: Grant to us, your
humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who
rejoice in her triumph may profit by her example; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of a Saint


Of a Missionary

Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your
servant N., whom you called to preach the Gospel to the
people of __________ (or to the __________ people). Raise
up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your
kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable
riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

or the following

Collects:  Contemporary    247


Almighty God, whose will it is to be glorified in your saints,
and who raised up your servant N. to be a light in the world;
Shine, we pray, in our hearts, that we also in our generation
may show forth your praise, who called us out of darkness
into your marvelous light; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Pentecost


Of a Pastor

Heavenly Father, Shepherd of your people, we thank you for
your servant N., who was faithful in the care and nurture of
your flock; and we pray that, following his example and the
teaching of his holy life, we may by your grace grow into the
stature of the fullness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

or this

O God, our heavenly Father, who raised up your faithful
servant N., to be a [bishop and] pastor in your Church and to
feed your flock: Give abundantly to all pastors the gifts of
your Holy Spirit, that they may minister in your household as
true servants of Christ and stewards of your divine mysteries;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of a Saint


Of a Theologian and Teacher

O God, by your Holy Spirit you give to some the word of
wisdom, to others the word of knowledge, and to others the
word of faith: We praise your Name for the gifts of grace

248    Collects:  Contemporary


manifested in your servant N., and we pray that your Church
may never be destitute of such gifts; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

or this

Almighty God, you gave to your servant N. special gifts of
grace to understand and teach the truth as it is in Christ Jesus:
Grant that by this teaching we may know you, the one true
God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent; who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.

Preface of a Saint, or of Trinity Sunday


Of a Monastic

O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his
poverty might be rich: Deliver us from an inordinate love of
this world, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant
N., may serve you with singleness of heart, and attain to the
riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and for ever. Amen.

or this

O God, by whose grace your servant N., kindled with the
flame of your love, became a burning and a shining light in
your Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit
of love and discipline, and walk before you as children of light;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Preface of a Saint

Collects:  Contemporary    249


Of a Saint

Almighty God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of
witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of
your servant N., may persevere in running the race that is set
before us, until at last we may with him attain to your eternal
joy; through Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our
faith, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

or this

O God, you have brought us near to an innumerable company
of angels, and to the spirits of just men made perfect: Grant us
during our earthly pilgrimage to abide in their fellowship, and
in our heavenly country to become partakers of their joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

or this

Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with
your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly
pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of
love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their
witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of
Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable
through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.

Preface of a Saint

250    Collects:  Contemporary


The Collects: Contemporary – Various Occasions

For optional use, when desired, subject to the rules set forth in the
Calendar of the Church Year.


1. Of the Holy Trinity

Almighty God, you have revealed to your Church your eternal
Being of glorious majesty and perfect love as one God in
Trinity of Persons: Give us grace to continue steadfast in the
confession of this faith, and constant in our worship of you,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; for you live and reign, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Trinity Sunday


2. Of the Holy Spirit

Almighty and most merciful God, grant that by the indwelling
of your Holy Spirit we may be enlightened and strengthened
for your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Pentecost


3. Of the Holy Angels

Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a
wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals:
Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and
worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may
help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of Trinity Sunday

Collects:  Contemporary    251


4. Of the Incarnation

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully
restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may
share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our
humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany


5. Of the Holy Eucharist

Especially suitable for Thursdays

God our Father, whose Son our Lord Jesus Christ in a
wonderful Sacrament has left us a memorial of his passion:
Grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries of his Body and
Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit
of his redemption; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Epiphany


6. Of the Holy Cross

Especially suitable for Fridays

Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony
and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to
take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Holy Week


7. For all Baptized Christians

Especially suitable for Saturdays

Grant, Lord God, to all who have been baptized into the

252    Collects:  Contemporary


death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, that, as we
have put away the old life of sin, so we may be renewed in the
spirit of our minds, and live in righteousness and true holiness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Preface of Baptism


8. For the Departed

Eternal Lord God, you hold all souls in life: Give to your
whole Church in paradise and on earth your light and your
peace; and grant that we, following the good examples of
those who have served you here and are now at rest, may at
the last enter with them into your unending joy; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

or this

Almighty God, we remember before you today your faithful
servant N.; and we pray that, having opened to him the gates
of larger life, you will receive him more and more into your
joyful service, that, with all who have faithfully served you in
the past, he may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ
our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Any of the Collects appointed for use at the Burial of the Dead may be
used instead.

For the Prayers of the People, one of the forms appointed for the
Burial of the Dead may be used.

Preface to the Commemoration of the Dead

The postcommunion prayer on page 498 may be used.

Collects:  Contemporary    253


9. Of the Reign of Christ

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all
things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord
of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth,
divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together
under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Ascension, or of Baptism


10. At Baptism

Almighty God, by our baptism into the death and resurrection
of your Son Jesus Christ, you turn us from the old life of sin:
Grant that we, being reborn to new life in him, may live in
righteousness and holiness all our days; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Baptism


11. At Confirmation

Grant, Almighty God, that we, who have been redeemed
from the old life of sin by our baptism into the death and
resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, may be renewed in
your Holy Spirit, and live in righteousness and true holiness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Baptism, or of Pentecost


12. On the Anniversary of the Dedication of a Church

Almighty God, to whose glory we celebrate the dedication of
this house of prayer: We give you thanks for the fellowship

254    Collects:  Contemporary


of those who have worshiped in this place, and we pray that
all who seek you here may find you, and be filled with your
joy and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and for ever. Amen.

The Litany of Thanksgiving for a Church, page 578, may be used for the
Prayers of the People.

Preface of the Dedication of a Church


13. For a Church Convention

Almighty and everlasting Father, you have given the Holy
Spirit to abide with us for ever: Bless, we pray, with his grace
and presence, the bishops and other clergy and the laity
here (or now, or soon to be) assembled in your Name, that
your Church, being preserved in true faith and godly
discipline, may fulfill all the mind of him who loved it and
gave himself for it, your Son Jesus Christ our Savior; who
lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one
God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Pentecost, or of the Season


14. For the Unity of the Church

Almighty Father, whose blessed Son before his passion prayed
for his disciples that they might be one, as you and he are one:
Grant that your Church, being bound together in love and
obedience to you, may be united in one body by the one Spirit,
that the world may believe in him whom you have sent, your
Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in
the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of Baptism, or of Trinity Sunday

Collects:  Contemporary    255


15. For the Ministry (Ember Days)

For use on the traditional days or at other times

I. For those to be ordained

Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, in your divine
providence you have appointed various orders in your
Church: Give your grace, we humbly pray, to all who are
[now] called to any office and ministry for your people; and so
fill them with the truth of your doctrine and clothe them with
holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve before you, to
the glory of your great Name and for the benefit of your holy
Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Apostles


II. For the choice of fit persons for the ministry

O God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every
place: Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy
Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word
and Sacrament, and may uphold them in their work for the
extension of your kingdom; through him who is the Shepherd
and Bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.

Preface of the Season


III. For all Christians in their vocation

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole
body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified:
Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before

256    Collects:  Contemporary


you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation
and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with
you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Preface of Baptism, or of the Season


16. For the Mission of the Church

O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the
earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those
who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people
everywhere may seek after you and find you, bring the nations
into your fold, pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten
the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

or this

O God of all the nations of the earth: Remember the
multitudes who have been created in your image but have not
known the redeeming work of our Savior Jesus Christ; and
grant that, by the prayers and labors of your holy Church,
they may be brought to know and worship you as you have
been revealed in your Son; who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Season, or of Pentecost

Collects:  Contemporary    257


17. For the Nation

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the
earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace:
Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the
strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in
accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Collect for Independence Day may be used instead.

Preface of Trinity Sunday


18. For Peace

Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of
peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel
for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility your dominion
may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your
love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever. Amen.

Preface of the Season


19. For Rogation Days

For use on the traditional days or at other times

I. For fruitful seasons

Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth: We humbly pray
that your gracious providence may give and preserve to our
use the harvests of the land and of the seas, and may prosper
all who labor to gather them, that we, who are constantly
receiving good things from your hand, may always give you

258    Collects:  Contemporary


thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Preface of the Season


II. For Commerce and Industry

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life
shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Be present with your
people where they work; make those who carry on the industries
and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give
to us all a pride in what we do, and a just return for our labor;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever. Amen.

Preface of the Season


III. For stewardship of creation

O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the
needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for
your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the
account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards
of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with
you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Season

Collects:  Contemporary    259


20. For the Sick

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and
relieve your sick servants, and give your power of healing to
those who minister to their needs, that those (or N., or NN.)
for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in
their weakness and have confidence in your loving care;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Season

The postcommunion prayer on page 457 may be used.


21. For Social Justice

Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Preface of the Season


22. For Social Service

Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served
but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give
themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom,
patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the
suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him
who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus
Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Season

260    Collects:  Contemporary


23. For Education

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: Enlighten by your
Holy Spirit those who teach and those who learn, that,
rejoicing in the knowledge of your truth, they may worship
you and serve you from generation to generation; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Season


24. For Vocation in Daily Work

Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory
and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the
earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service
of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in
truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of
him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Preface of the Season

25. For Labor Day

Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another
that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide
us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but
for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for
our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of
other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out
of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Preface of the Season

Collects:  Contemporary    261


Proper Liturgies for Special Days – Ash Wednesday

On this day, the Celebrant begins the liturgy with the Salutation and the
Collect of the Day.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have
made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and
make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily
lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission
and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Old Testament     Joel 2:1-2, 12-17,     or Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm     103,     or 103:8-14
Epistle     2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10
Gospel     Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

After the Sermon, all stand, and the Celebrant or Minister appointed
invites the people to the observance of a holy Lent, saying

Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great
devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection, and
it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a

264    Ash Wednesday


season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided
a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy
Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of
notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful
were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to
the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the whole congregation
was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set
forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all
Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.

I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the
observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance;
by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and
meditating on God’s holy Word. And, to make a right beginning
of repentance, and as a mark of our mortal nature, let us now
kneel before the Lord, our maker and redeemer.

Silence is then kept for a time, all kneeling.

If ashes are to be imposed, the Celebrant says the following prayer

  Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the
  earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our
  mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is
  only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life;
  through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

  The ashes are imposed with the following words


  Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

The following Psalm is then sung or said

Ash Wednesday     265


Psalm 51    Miserere mei, Deus

  1     Have mercy on me, O God, according to your
                                      loving-kindness; *
           in your great compassion blot out my offenses.

  2     Wash me through and through from my wickedness *
           and cleanse me from my sin.

  3     For I know my transgressions, *
           and my sin is ever before me.

  4     Against you only have I sinned *
           and done what is evil in your sight.

  5     And so you are justified when you speak *
           and upright in your judgment

  6     Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *
           a sinner from my mother’s womb.

  7     For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *
           and will make me understand wisdom secretly.

  8     Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *
           wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.

  9     Make me hear of joy and gladness, *
           that the body you have broken may rejoice.

10     Hide your face from my sins *
           and blot out all my iniquities.

11     Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
           and renew a right spirit within me.

12     Cast me not away from your presence *
           and take not your holy Spirit from me.

13     Give me the joy of your saving help again *
           and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.

266    Ash Wednesday


14     I shall teach your ways to the wicked, *
           and sinners shall return to you.

15     Deliver me from death, O God, *
           and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,
           O God of my salvation.

16     Open my lips, O Lord, *
           and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

17     Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice; *
           but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.

18     The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; *
           a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Litany of Penitence

The Celebrant and People together, all kneeling

Most holy and merciful Father:
We confess to you and to one another,
and to the whole communion of saints
in heaven and on earth,
that we have sinned by our own fault
in thought, word, and deed;
by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

The Celebrant continues

We have not loved you with our whole heart, and mind, and
strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We
have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven.
Have mercy on us, Lord.

We have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us.
We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved
your Holy Spirit.
Have mercy on us, Lord.

Ash Wednesday     267


We confess to you, Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: the
pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of our lives,
We confess to you, Lord.

Our self-indulgent appetites and ways, and our exploitation
of other people,
We confess to you, Lord.

Our anger at our own frustration, and our envy of those
more fortunate than ourselves,
We confess to you, Lord.

Our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and
our dishonesty in daily life and work,
We confess to you, Lord.

Our negligence in prayer and worship, and our failure to
commend the faith that is in us,
We confess to you, Lord.

Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done:
for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our
indifference to injustice and cruelty,
Accept our repentance, Lord.

For all false judgments, for uncharitable thoughts toward our
neighbors, and for our prejudice and contempt toward those
who differ from us,
Accept our repentance, Lord.

For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of
concern for those who come after us,
Accept our repentance, Lord.

Restore us, good Lord, and let your anger depart from us;
Favorably hear us, for your mercy is great.

Accomplish in us the work of your salvation,
That we may show forth your glory in the world.

268    Ash Wednesday


By the cross and passion of your Son our Lord,
Bring us with all your saints to the joy of his resurrection.

The Bishop, if present, or the Priest, stands and, facing the people, says

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
desires not the death of sinners, but rather that they may turn
from their wickedness and live, has given power and
commandment to his ministers to declare and pronounce to
his people, being penitent, the absolution and remission of
their sins. He pardons and absolves all those who truly
repent, and with sincere hearts believe his holy Gospel.

Therefore we beseech him to grant us true repentance and his
Holy Spirit, that those things may please him which we do on
this day, and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure
and holy, so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A deacon or lay reader leading the service remains kneeling and
substitutes the prayer for forgiveness appointed at Morning Prayer.

The Peace is then exchanged.

In the absence of a bishop or priest, all that precedes may be led by a
deacon or lay reader.
The Litany of Penitence may be used at other times, and may be preceded
by an appropriate invitation and a penitential psalm.When Communion follows, the service continues with the Offertory.

Preface of Lent

Ash Wednesday     269


Proper Liturgies for Special Days – Palm Sunday

The Liturgy of the Palms

When circumstances permit, the congregation may gather at a place
apart from the church, so that all may go into the church in procession.

The branches of palm or of other trees or shrubs to be carried in the
procession may be distributed to the people before the service, or after
the prayer of blessing.

The following or some other suitable anthem is sung or said, the people
standing

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.

CelebrantLet us pray.

Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our
salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation
of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and
immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Here a Deacon or other person appointed reads one of the following

270    Palm Sunday


Year A    Matthew 21:1-11
Year B    Mark 11:1-11a
Year C    Luke 19:29-40

The Celebrant then says the following blessing

 The Lord be with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
CelebrantLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.
PeopleIt is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by
which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ
our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in
triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who
spread their garments and branches of palm along his way.
Let these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that
we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King,
and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives
and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and
for ever. Amen.

The following or some other suitable anthem may then be sung or said

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

The Procession

DeaconLet us go forth in peace.
PeopleIn the name of Christ. Amen.

During the procession, all hold branches in their hands, and appropriate
hymns, psalms, or anthems are sung, such as the hymn “All glory, laud,
and honor” and Psalm 118:19-29.

At a suitable place, the procession may halt while the following or some
other appropriate Collect is said

Palm Sunday    271


Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but
first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he
was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way
of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and
peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In the absence of a bishop or priest, the preceding service may be led by a
deacon or lay reader.

At services on this day other than the principal celebration, suitable
portions of the preceding may be used.

At the Eucharist

When the Liturgy of the Palms immediately precedes the Eucharist, the
celebration begins with the Salutation and Collect of the Day.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the
human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take
upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross,
giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant
that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share
in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Old Testament     Isaiah 45:21-25,    or Isaiah 52:13–53:12
Psalm     22:1-21,    or 22:1-11
Epistle    Philippians 2:5-11

The Passion Gospel is announced in the following manner

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to_________

The customary responses before and after the Gospel are omitted.

272    Palm Sunday


Year A     Matthew 26:36-27:54(55-66)     or 27:1-54(55-66)
Year B     Mark 14:32-15:39(40-47)     or 15:1-39(40-47)
Year C     Luke 22:39-23:49(50-56)     or 23:1-49(50-56)

The Passion Gospel may be read or chanted by different persons. Specific roles
may be assigned to different persons, the congregation taking the part
of the crowd.

The congregation may be seated for the first part of the Passion. At the
verse which mentions the arrival at Golgotha (Matthew 27:33,
Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33) all stand.

When the Liturgy of the Palms has preceded, the Nicene Creed and the
Confession of Sin may be omitted at this service.

Preface of Holy Week

Palm Sunday    273


Proper Liturgies for Special Days – Maundy Thursday

The Eucharist begins in the usual manner, using the following Collect,
Psalm, and Lessons

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before
he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood:
Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in
remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy
mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen.

Old Testament     Exodus 12:1-14a
Psalm     78:14-20, 23-25
Epistle     1 Corinthians 11:23-26(27-32)
Gospel     John 13:1-15,     or Luke 22:14-30When observed, the ceremony of the washing of feet appropriately
follows the Gospel and homily.During the ceremony, the following or other suitable anthems  may be
sung or said

The Lord Jesus, after he had supped with his disciples and
had washed their feet, said to them, “Do you know what I,
your Lord and Master, have done to you? I have given you
an example, that you should do as I have done.” 

274    Maundy Thursday


Peace is my last gift to you, my own peace I now leave with
you; peace which the world cannot give, I give to you.

I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have
loved you.

Peace is my last gift to you, my own peace I now leave with
you; peace which the world cannot give, I give to you.

By this shall the world know that you are my disciples: That
you have love for one another.

The service continues with the Prayers of the People.

Where it is desired to administer Holy Communion from the reserved
Sacrament on Good Friday, the Sacrament for that purpose is
consecrated at this service.

Preface of Holy Week

Maundy Thursday     275


Proper Liturgies for Special Days – Good Friday

On this day the ministers enter in silence.All then kneel for silent prayer, after which the Celebrant stands and
begins the liturgy with the Collect of the Day.Immediately before the Collect, the Celebrant may say

            Blessed be our God.
People     For ever and ever. Amen.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your
family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be
betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer
death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Old Testament
     Isaiah 52:13–53:12,     or Genesis 22:1-18,
                             or Wisdom 2:1, 12-24
Psalm     22:1-11(12-21),     or 40:1-14, or 69:1-23
Epistle     Hebrews 10:1-25

The Passion Gospel is announced in the following manner

276    Good Friday


The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

The customary responses before and after the Gospel are omitted.

John 18:1-19:37     or 19:1-37The Passion Gospel may be read or chanted by lay persons. Specific roles
may be assigned to different persons, the congregation taking the part of
the crowd.

The congregation may be seated for the first part of the Passion. At the
verse which mentions the arrival at Golgotha (John 19:17) all stand.The Sermon follows.A hymn may then be sung.

The Solemn CollectsAll standing, the Deacon, or other person appointed, says to the people

Dear People of God: Our heavenly Father sent his Son into
the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world
through him might be saved; that all who believe in him
might be delivered from the power of sin and death, and
become heirs with him of everlasting life.

We pray, therefore, for people everywhere according to their
needs.

In the biddings which follow, the indented portions may be adapted by
addition or omission, as appropriate, at the discretion of the Celebrant.
The people may be directed to stand or kneel.

The biddings may be read by a Deacon or other person appointed. The
Celebrant says the Collects.

Good Friday     277


Let us pray for the holy Catholic Church of Christ
throughout the world;

    For its unity in witness and service
    For all bishops and other ministers
        and the people whom they serve
    For N., our Bishop, and all the people of this diocese
    For all Christians in this community
    For those about to be baptized (particularly___________)

That God will confirm his Church in faith, increase it in love,
and preserve it in peace.Silence

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole
body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified:
Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before
you for all members of your holy Church, that in their
vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you;
through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.


Let us pray for all nations and peoples of the earth, and for
those in authority among them;

    For N., the President of the United States
    For the Congress and the Supreme Court
    For the Members and Representatives of the United Nations
    For all who serve the common good

That by God’s help they may seek justice and truth, and live
in peace and concord.Silence

Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of
peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for
the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your dominion may 

278    Good Friday


increase, until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your
love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Let us pray for all who suffer and are afflicted in body or in mind;

    For the hungry and the homeless, the destitute
        and the oppressed
    For the sick, the wounded, and the crippled
    For those in loneliness, fear, and anguish
    For those who face temptation, doubt, and despair
    For the sorrowful and bereaved
    For prisoners and captives, and those in mortal danger

That God in his mercy will comfort and relieve them, and
grant them the knowledge of his love, and stir up in us the
will and patience to minister to their needs.Silence

Gracious God, the comfort of all who sorrow, the strength of
all who suffer: Let the cry of those in misery and need come
to you, that they may find your mercy present with them in all
their afflictions; and give us, we pray, the strength to serve
them for the sake of him who suffered for us, your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.


Let us pray for all who have not received the Gospel of Christ;

    For those who have never heard the word of salvation
    For those who have lost their faith
    For those hardened by sin or indifference
    For the contemptuous and the scornful
    For those who are enemies of the cross of Christ and
        persecutors of his disciples
    For those who in the name of Christ have persecuted others

That God will open their hearts to the truth, and lead them to
faith and obedience.

Good Friday     279


Silence

Merciful God, creator of all the peoples of the earth and
lover of souls: Have compassion on all who do not know you
as you are revealed in your Son Jesus Christ; let your Gospel
be preached with grace and power to those who have not
heard it; turn the hearts of those who resist it; and bring
home to your fold those who have gone astray; that there
may be one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.


Let us commit ourselves to God, and pray for the grace
of a holy life, that, with all who have departed this world and
have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is
known to God alone, we may be accounted worthy to enter
into the fullness of the joy of our Lord, and receive the crown
of life in the day of resurrection.Silence

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look
favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred
mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry
out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world
see and know that things which were cast down are being
raised up, and things which had grown old are being made
new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection
by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The service may be concluded here with the singing of a hymn or anthem,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the final prayer on page 282.

280    Good Friday


If desired, a wooden cross may now be brought into the church and
placed in the sight of the people.

Appropriate devotions may follow, which may include any or all of the
following, or other suitable anthems. If the texts are recited rather than
sung, the congregation reads the parts in italics.


Anthem 1

We glory in your cross, O Lord,
and praise and glorify your holy resurrection;
for by virtue of your cross
joy has come to the whole world.

May God be merciful to us and bless us,
show us the light of his countenance, and come to us.

Let your ways be known upon earth,
your saving health among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.

We glory in your cross, O Lord,
and praise and glorify your holy resurrection;
for by virtue of your cross
joy has come to the whole world.


Anthem 2

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

If we have died with him, we shall also live with him;
if we endure, we shall also reign with him.

Good Friday     281


We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.


Anthem 3

O Savior of the world,
who by thy cross and precious blood hast redeemed us:
Save us and help us, we humbly beseech thee, O Lord.The hymn “Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle,” or some other hymn
extolling the glory of the cross, is then sung.The service may be concluded here with the Lord’s Prayer and the final
prayer below.In the absence of a bishop or priest, all that precedes may be led by a
deacon or lay reader.
In places where Holy Communion is to be administered from
the reserved Sacrament, the following order is observed

A Confession of Sin
The Lord’s Prayer
The Communion

The service concludes with the following prayer. No blessing or dismissal
is added.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray you to set
your passion, cross, and death between your judgment and
our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and
grace to the living; pardon and rest to the dead; to your holy
Church peace and concord; and to us sinners everlasting life
and glory; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you
live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

282    Good Friday


Proper Liturgies for Special Days – Holy Saturday

There is no celebration of the Eucharist on this day.When there is a Liturgy of the word, the Celebrant begins with the
Collect of the Day

O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the
crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and
rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the
coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of
life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Old Testament     Job 14:1-14
Psalm     130,     or 31:1-5
Epistle     1 Peter 4:1-8
Gospel     Matthew 27:57-66,     or John 19:38-42After the Gospel (and homily), in place of the Prayers of the People, the
Anthem “In the midst of life” (page 484 or 492) is sung or said.The service then concludes with the Lord’s Prayer and the Grace.

Holy Saturday     283


Proper Liturgies for Special Days – Concerning the Vigil

The Great Vigil, when observed, is the first service of Easter Day. It is
celebrated at a convenient time between sunset on Holy Saturday and
sunrise on Easter Morning.

The service normally consists of four parts:

1. The Service of Light.
2. The Service of Lessons.
3. Christian Initiation, or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows.
4. The Holy Eucharist with the administration of Easter Communion.

It is customary for all the ordained ministers present, together with lay
readers, singers, and other persons, to take active parts in the service.

The bishop, when present, is the chief celebrant, presides at Baptism
and administers Communion, and normally preaches the sermon.

*The priests who are present share among them the reading of the Collects
which follow each Lesson, and assist at Baptism and the Eucharist. In the
absence of a bishop, a priest presides at the service.

It is the prerogative of a deacon to carry the Paschal Candle to its place,
and to chant the Exsultet. Deacons likewise assist at Baptism and the
Eucharist according to their order.

Lay persons read the Lessons and the Epistle, and assist in other ways. A
lay person may be assigned to chant the Exsultet. It is desirable that each
Lesson be read by a different reader.

In the absence of a bishop or priest, a deacon or lay reader may lead the
first two parts of the service, the Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and the
Ministry of the Word of the Vigil Eucharist, concluding with the Prayers
of the People, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Dismissal.

A deacon may also, when the services of a priest cannot be obtained, and
with the authorization of the bishop, officiate at public Baptism; and may
administer Easter Communion from the Sacrament previously consecrated.

When the Vigil is not celebrated, the Service of Light may take place at a
convenient time before the Liturgy on Easter Day.

284    Easter Vigil