The Collect Prayer for this Sunday has a great message, but might not be easy to follow if you don’t look at it ahead of time. As a reminder, the Collect is the prayer that happens right before the Liturgy of the Word begins. It takes the thoughts and attitudes of all present and centers us so that we can surrender to the Scriptures about to be proclaimed.
The sentence is this: “Grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart.” First, what is God’s majesty? We are talking about God’s greatness and magnificence, God’s splendor and power. (How do you experience the majesty of God in your life?)
We want to conform our will to God’s will. Conform is to imitate, to match, to follow. It is another way of saying, “They kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (In what areas of your life are you in harmony with God’s will? In what areas do you need help to be in harmony?)
We are also asking to serve God. We often talk about serving God. It is our work to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth. It is an attitude of humility. Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.” Matthew 20:26-27. (How are you serving God and others?)
Finally, we ask that we can do God’s will and serve God through our sincerity of heart. We want to be genuine and truthful in our thoughts and actions. (Do your actions match your beliefs? Are you free from pretense and hypocrisy?)
That may seem like an abundance of reflection ideas, but the Collect is a moment in the liturgy that passes quickly if we do not take the words apart and ask the question: What does this prayer mean to me?
Here are few reflection questions for today’s readings.
Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
How has God called you by name? What is God calling you to do or to be?
Psalm 96
How do you give God glory and honor?
1 Thes. 1:1-5
How did you first learn about the Gospel stories of Christ? What has been your journey in learning about Christ? How does the Holy Spirit enliven the Gospel for you?
Matthew 22:15-21
Do you treat people differently because of status? (Think both of people of high status in your local community and by the standards of the world, and of people of very low status including those who are homeless or mentally ill). How do you repay to God what belongs to God?
May your prayers this week bring you joy and help you remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus. Amen.
