Let us pray (in silence) [that we may put God at the heart of our lives]
Pause
O God, [or Living God]
the protector of all who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy;
enfold us in your gracious care and mercy,
that with you to govern and to guide us
we may so use your gifts in this fleeting world
that we do not lose the good that is eternal;
through Jesus Christ
who is alive with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The above prayer is used by Roman Catholics and Episcopalians/Anglicans (on this coming Sunday), and is in the Sarum Missal, and is used in the Church of England; and in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia – but on other Sundays.
I intend this collect to be added to my Book of Prayers in Common.
Click on this link to find my history, commentary, and reflection on this collect: Ordinary 17.
Some other celebrations this coming week:
Monday 25 July – James (and John)
Tuesday 26 July – Anne (and Joachim)
Friday 29 – Mary and Martha (and Lazarus)
Saturday 30 – William Wilberforce
[Sunday 31 – Ignatius Loyola]
NB: In NZ on the Fourth Sunday in July we remember Social Services. This needs no change to lectionary readings. If you cannot make social connections from the set readings, one wonders if you should be preaching. In any case, social services can be remembered in hymns, songs, prayers, etc.
The NZ lectionary says this week is Te Wiki o te Reo Maori (Maori Language Week). That is, of course, incorrect. In any case, every week should have Te Reo in it.
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Image Source: The Insistent Friend JESUS MAFA
