Collect of the Day

In Anglican services we have liturgy, as part of that liturgy we have collects. What are they and why do they exist? Just to clarify I am distinguishing “collects” from “collections”! While a collection gathers money, a “collect” gathers our thoughts and prayers into a concise, focused plea to God. They are a beautiful and ancient part of Christian liturgy, particularly in liturgical traditions like Anglicanism, Catholicism, and Lutheranism.

Why do we have collects?

Historical Roots

Collects originated in the early Church, possibly as early as the 5th century. They were used to “collect” the prayers of the congregation into a single, unified prayer offered by the presider.

Concise and Focused

Collects are typically short and to the point, expressing a single, specific petition. This helps to focus the minds and hearts of the worshippers on a particular theme or need.

Theological Depth

Collects often draw on rich theological concepts and biblical imagery, deepening our understanding of God and our relationship with Him.

Connection to the Liturgical Year

Collects are often linked to the specific season or feast day in the church calendar, helping to connect our prayers to the broader narrative of the Christian faith.

What do they mean?

The word “collect” comes from the Latin collecta, meaning “gathered.” It reflects the idea that the prayer gathers together the intentions and needs of the people. Collects typically follow a structure:

1. Address: Invocation of God (e.g., “Almighty God,” “Merciful Father”)
2. Attribute: A statement about God’s nature or action (e.g., “who created all things,” “who sent your Son to save us”)
3. Petition: The specific request being made (e.g., “grant us your peace,” “give us grace to follow you”)
4. Aspiration: The desired outcome or benefit (e.g., “that we may serve you with gladness,” “that we may live in your love”)
5. Doxology: A concluding statement of praise (e.g., “through Jesus Christ our Lord,” “who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit”)

Examples of Collects and Related Bible Verses

Collect for Purity

“Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Related Verses:
Psalm 51:10 (“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”)
Hebrews 4:13 (“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”)

Collect for the 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.”

Related Verses
Isaiah 40:3 (“A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'”)
Mark 1:2-3 (“As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,'”)

Collect for Peace

“O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom: Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Related Verses
John 14:27 (“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”)
Romans 14:17 (“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”)

These are just a few examples of the many beautiful and meaningful collects found in Christian liturgy. They serve as powerful reminders of God’s character, our dependence on Him, and the hope we have in Jesus Christ.