Dictionary

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Collect

A collect is a short prayer used in liturgy, for example towards the beginning of the Eucharist. It often reflects the themes of the particular season of the Church’s year. Its name comes from the idea that it ‘collects’ together the lessons of the service readings.

Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Prayer

Prayer sustains our human relationship with God and may involve words (formal or informal) or be silent. Prayer can involve adoration (‘I love you’), confession (‘sorry’), thanksgiving and supplication (‘please’).

Home Publications Prayers Prayers: Christmas One

Prayers: Christmas One

In this season of gifts, we give thanks for all we have been given:
for life itself, for our families and those who have inspired and encouraged us along the way.
We thank you for the beauty of the world around us, for music and poetry and art;
for friendship, kindness and tenderness.
We are so grateful for this Christmas time and all that has touched our hearts.
Most of all, O Lord our God, we thank you for coming to share our lives;
for showing us a new way to live and holding us through challenging times.
Walk with us into the new year.
Guide and protect all we love,
and help us to respond to the various invitations that you will offer us in (2025). Amen.

Collect 13

Almighty God,
who wonderfully created us in your own image
and yet more wonderfully restored us
through your Son Jesus Christ:
grant that, as he came to share in our humanity,
so we may share the life of his divinity;
who is alive and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

The Revised New Calendar and The Contemporary Collects