The collect is a short, general prayer used in liturgical Christian services. It gathers or “collects” the thoughts and prayers of the entire Church as they apply to the theme of the day. Here is the collect which was used at a worship service I recently attended.
Lord Jesus, our only source of forgiveness and peace, give us strength to confess our sins and faith to rely on Your mercy in time and for eternity; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Collects generally follow the form below. As you can see, the collect i referenced above fits neatly into this.
There is an address to God and to his character or actions in the world on our behalf.
Lord Jesus, our only source of forgiveness and peace
There is a request.
give us strength to confess our sins and faith to rely on Your mercy in time and for eternity
There is an invocation and doxology (expression of praise).
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever
There is the Amen.
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