Concerning the Proper
of the Church Year
The Proper of the Church Year includes the appointed Collects; the Proper
Prefaces, directions for which are to be found in the pages following; and the
appointed Psalms and Lessons, which appears in tables beginning on page 657.
The Proper appointed for the Sunday is also used at celebrations of the
Eucharist on the weekdays following, unless otherwise ordered for Holy Days and
Various Occasions.
The Proper to be used on each of the Sundays after Pentecost (except for
Trinity Sunday) is determined by the calendar date of that Sunday. Thus, in any
year, the Proper for the Sunday after Trinity Sunday (the Second Sunday after
Pentecost) is the numbered Proper (number 3 through number 8), the calendar
date of which falls on that Sunday, or is closest to it, whether before or
after. Thereafter, the Propers are used consecutively. For example, if the
Sunday after Trinity Sunday is May 26, the sequence begins with Proper
3 (Propers 1 and 2 being used on the weekdays of Pentecost and Trinity weeks).
If the Sunday after Trinity Sunday is June 13, the sequence begins with Proper
6 (Propers 1 through 3 being omitted that year, and Propers 4 and 5 being used
in Pentecost and Trinity weeks).
The Collect appointed for any Sunday or other Feast may be used at the evening
service of the day before.
Collects 156
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
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 traditional
Ember Days.
Collects 157
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
Christmas Eve (Vigil)
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.
Preface of Christmas
The Nativity of our Lord: Christmas Day
December 25
Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your
true light. As we have known the revelation of that light on earth,
bring us to see the splendour of your heavenly glory; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
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 Christmas
Collects 158
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. (If the Holy Days are observed at the time.)
First Sunday after Christmas Day
This Sunday takes precedence over the three Holy Days which follow Christmas
Day. (If the Holy Days are observed at the time.) 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 Christmas
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 Christmas
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 Christmas
Collects 159
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 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
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
Collects 160
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
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
Collects 161
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
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
Collects 162
Ash Wednesday
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.
First Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit into the wilderness and
was 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.
Collects 163
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
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
Collects 164
Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
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
Monday in Holy Week
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 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 the
Collects 165
sufferings of the present time with joy and hope, 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
Maundy Thursday
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
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
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.
Easter Day
O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to
the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered
Collects 166
us from the power of sin and death: 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
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
Collects 167
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
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 Week
Collects 168
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
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
Collects 169
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.
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.
Collects 170
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.
or this
Almight God, your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he
might rule over all things as Lord. Keep the Church
in the unity of the SPirit and in the bond of his peace, and bring the
whole of creation to worship at his feet, who is alive and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, nw and for 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
The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday
When a Vigil of Pentecost is observed, 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 Re-
newal of Baptismal Vows follows the Sermon.
Collects 171
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
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week are traditional
Ember Days.
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.
Collects 172
THE SEASON AFTER PENTECOST
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
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 or the
Common Preface.
Proper 4
The Sunday closest to June 1
Lord God of the nations, you have revealed your will to all people
and promised us your saving help. May we hear and do what you
Collects 173
command, that the darkness may be overcome by the power of
your light; through your son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
Amen.
Preface of the Lord's Day or the
Common Preface.
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 or the
Common Preface.
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 or the
Common Preface.
Proper 7
The Sunday closest to June 22
O God our defender, storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue
your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and
preserve us all from unbelief; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.
Amen.
Collects 174
Preface of the Lord's Day or the
Common Preface.
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 of the Lord's Day or the
Common Preface.
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
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 or the
Common Preface.
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 or the
Common Preface.
Collects 175
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 or the
Common Preface.
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 of the Lord's Day or the
Common Preface.
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 or the
Common Preface.
Collects 176
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 or the
Common Preface.
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 or the
Common Preface.
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;
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 or the
Common Preface.
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
Collects 177
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 or the
Common Preface.
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 or the
Common Preface.
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 or the Common Preface.
The Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after September 14 are the
traditional autumnal Ember Days.
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;
Collects 178
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 or the
Common Preface.
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 or the
Common Preface.
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 or the
Common Preface.
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;
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 or the
Common Preface.
Collects 179
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 or the
Common Preface.
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 or the
Common Preface.
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 or the
Common Preface.
Collects 180
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 or the
Common Preface.
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 or the
Common Preface.
Proper 29
The Sunday closest to November 23
(Last Sunday after Pentecost)
(Feast of Christ the King)
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 Christian initiation
Collects 181
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 (or July 3)
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 Christmas
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
Collects 182
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 Christmas
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 Christmas
Confession of Saint Peter
January 18
Almighty Father, who inspired Simon 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 Saviour 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: 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
Collects 183
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
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
Collects 184
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 Saints' Days
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 honour the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her
devotion 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 Epiphany
Collects 185
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 Saviour 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 Apostles
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 186
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 the unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and
reigns, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Preface of Saints' Days
Saints 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 Apostles
The Transfiguration
August 16
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 darkness of this world and turning to Him, may behold the King in His glory and be transformed into His likeness; 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
Collects 187
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 Our Lady
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 Apostles
Holy Cross Day
September 14
Almighty God, whose Son our Saviour 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 Saviour; 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 Apostles
Collects 188
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 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.
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 Saints' Days
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
Collects 189
and mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Preface of Apostles
All Saints' 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 Saints' Days
All Souls
November 2
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
O God, before whose face the generations rise and pass away, the strength of
those who labour and the repose of the holy blessed dead: We remember all who
faithfully lived and died (especially __________). Lift us into life and love
and give us our portion with those who have trusted in you and striven to do
your will. And to your name, with the Church on earth and heaven, we ascribe
all honour and glory world without end.
Amen.
Preface of the Commemoration of the Dead
Collects 190
Harvest Festival
Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in
their season and for the labours 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.
or this
O God, you have made us co-creators of our destiny; we give
thanks for productivity and for advances in many fields: in agriculture, in
industry and commerce, and in science and technology. Keep us ever mindful of
your power and your love, the origin of all that is, the source of strength and
wisdom, harmony and wealth. All things come from you, O God. We give you of
your own, with praise and thanksgiving, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
Preface for Harvest Festival
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
-
at the commemoration of a saint listed in the Calendar for which no Proper
is provided in this Book
-
at the patronal festival or commemoration of a saint not listed in the
Calendar.
Collects 191
Of a Martyr
Almighty God, who gave to your servant N. boldness to confess the Name of our
Saviour Jesus Christ before the rulers 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 [for a woman]
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 Saviour
Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and for ever.
Amen.
or the following
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 fulness of our Lord and Saviour 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 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
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
Of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Almighty God, with Grace you have made the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother
of your Son: by the same grace hallow our bodies in chastity and our souls in
humility and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Collects 195
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
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 death and resurrection
of your Son Jesus Christ, that, as we have put away the old life of sin, so we
Collects 197
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, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Preface of Christian Initiation
8. For the Departed
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.
Preface of the Commemoration of the Dead
9. 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 Christian Initiation
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 Christian Initiation
Collects 198
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 Christian Initiation, 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 of those who have worshipped 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.
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 the
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
fulfil all the mind of him who loved it and gave himself for it, your Son Jesus
Christ our Saviour; 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
Collects 199
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 Christian Initiation, or of Trinity Sunday
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 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
Collects 200
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 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
Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Preface of Christian Initiation, 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 Saviour
Jesus Christ; and grant that, by the prayers and labours 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 201
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.
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 labour to gather them, that we, who are
constantly receiving good things from your hand, may always give you 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
Collects 202
II. For commerce and industry
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life shared our toil and
hallowed our labour: 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 labour;
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
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
Collects 203
21. For Social Justice
Almighty God, who created us in your own 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 Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Preface of the Season
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
Collects 204
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 Labour 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 labour, 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 205