the second Sunday in Advent
contemplating collects
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Thine Only-begotten Son, so that by His coming we may be enabled to serve Thee with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
-- Common Service Book . . .
the first Sunday in Advent
contemplating collects
Stir up, we beseech Thee, Thy power, O Lord, and come; that by Thy protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins, and saved by Thy mighty deliverance; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
-- Common Service Book of the Lutheran . . .
contemplating collects
musings on our inherited weekly prayers
For some time now, the blog Anglican Pastor has featured an on-going series titled, "Collect Reflections" in which the weekly collects from the Book of Common Prayer are posted, explained, and thoughtfully considered.
Those unfamiliar with the term 'collect' might ask, "What exactly is a collect?" . . .
Luther on casting burdens upon the Lord
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you..." Ps 55.22
Whoever desires to be a Christian must learn to believe this, and to exercise this faith in all his affairs, in physical and in spiritual things, in doing and in suffering, in living and dying, and to cast aside all anxious thoughts and care and throw them cheerfully off. Yet he must not throw them into a corner, as some have . . .
"A Few Thoughts on the Lord's Prayer"
a meditation
Note: This appears as today's reading from the saints in For All the Saints. It is an Anonymous meditation on the Lord's Prayer and one worthy of our reflection and consideration.
I cannot pray, Our, if my faith has no room for others and their need.
I cannot pray, Father, if I do not demonstrate this . . .
Posted in: prayer
"Pray, hope, and don't worry..."
from Padre Pio
"Unite us more perfectly to Christ..."
a prayer of St. Anselm
We love Thee, O our God, and we desire to love Thee more and more. Grant to us that we may love Thee as much as we desire, and as much as we ought. O dearest Friend, who hast so loved and saved us, the thought of whom is so sweet and always growing sweeter, come with Christ and dwell in our hearts; then Thou wilt keep a watch over our . . .
