The Collect Call

The week most of us were forced home due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we gather for the first time in two years to contemplate the collect for the third Sunday in Lent.

We belatedly announce our summer break and pray for its good use. Also: major #catdisclaimer. This week's prayer: O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Image: Evgenly Isaev (https://www.flickr.com/photos/43257267@N08/), distributed under a CC BY license.

We interrupt this Holy Week to talk about the Nunc Dimittis, and interrupt it even more with Britney. You're welcome. This week's text (BCP p. 93): Lord, you now have set your servant free * to go in peace as you have promised; For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, * whom you have prepared for all the world to see: A Light to enlighten the nations, * and the glory of your people Israel. Image: Jornal O Bom Catolico (https://www.flickr.com/photos/obomcatolico/), distributed under a CC BY license.

Unearthing a gem of a prayer from the seldom used Order of Worship for the Evening. This week's prayer (BCP p. 111): Almighty and most merciful God, kindle within us the fire of love, that by its cleansing flame we may be purged of all our sins and made worthy to worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Image: Eli Duke (https://www.flickr.com/photos/elisfanclub/), distributed under a CC BY-SA license.

A set of prayers so good you can say them twice a day - we take a look at Suffrages A from Morning & Evening Prayer. BCP p. 97 V. Show us your mercy, O Lord; R. And grant us your salvation. V. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; R. Let your people sing with joy. V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; R. For only in you can we live in safety. V. Lord, keep this nation under your care; R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth. V. Let your way be known upon earth; R. Your saving health among all nations. V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away. V. Create in us clean hearts, O God; R. And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. Also - this week, Holli acknowledges St. Bede's Breviary, an excellent resource for daily prayer: http://www.stbedeproductions.com/breviary/

Our Lenten series continues with the Kyrie Pantokrator, including the burning question - how do you pronounce Pantokrator anyway? This week's prayer - BCP p. 90 O Lord and Ruler of the hosts of heaven, * God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of all their righteous offspring: You made the heavens and the earth, * with all their vast array. All things quake with fear at your presence; * they tremble because of your power. But your merciful promise is beyond all measure; * it surpasses all that our minds can fathom. O Lord, you are full of compassion, * long-suffering, and abounding in mercy. You hold back your hand; * you do not punish as we deserve. In your great goodness, Lord, you have promised forgiveness to sinners, * that they may repent of their sin and be saved. And now, O Lord, I bend the knee of my heart, * and make my appeal, sure of your gracious goodness. I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, * and I know my wickedness only too well. Therefore I make this prayer to you: * Forgive me, Lord, forgive me. Do not let me perish in my sin, * nor condemn me to the depths of the earth. For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, * and in me you will show forth your goodness. Unworthy as I am, you will save me, in accordance with your great mercy, * and I will praise you without ceasing all the days of my life. For all the powers of heaven sing your praises, * and yours is the glory to ages of ages. Amen.

As Lent approaches, we shift into a more penitential gear, looking at the prayer of confession in Morning Prayer, Rite 1. We also fail to act like adults. This week's prayer (BCP page 41) Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against thy holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, spare thou those who confess their faults, restore thou those who are penitent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; and grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen. Image: Mon Œil (https://www.flickr.com/photos/claveirole/), distributed under a CC BY License.

It's a double-feature! We pray for courts of justice, for local government, and at long last, we meet George Albert Zabriskie, who achieved the hat trick in collects for the branches of government. For Courts of Justice Almighty God, who sittest in the throne judging right: We humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; and give unto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. For Local Government Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those who hold office in this State (Commonwealth, City, County, Town, ____________) the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Image: Aviva West (https://www.flickr.com/photos/26263283@N00/), distributed under a CC BY-SA license.

As our series on praying for the government continues, we look at the BCP's collect praying for Congress or a state legislature. Also, we begin our campaign to get a Kindle edition of Hatchett. We need your help! O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech thee so to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled (or in the Legislature of this State, or Common wealth), that they may enact such laws as shall please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Image: Congress, by Thomas Hawk (https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/), distributed under a CC BY-NC license.

We look at the prayer for our country on page 820, and find at least one good reason to look at prayer book revision. Also, lectors - take note of a name that might trip you up this Sunday. Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Here's a link to the video of the Rev. E. Suzanne Wille speaking at the Women's March on Washington - Indianapolis Location that Brendan talked about: https://www.facebook.com/robyn.m.rider/videos/1394713357214699/ Image: Thomas Hawk (https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/), distributed under a CC BY-NC license.

On praying for those in authority, plus, taking Paul out of context when he's cranky in this week's lectionary (Epiphany 3, year A). O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. Image: TravelFusionUK (https://www.flickr.com/photos/travelfusion/), distributed under a CC BY license.

Thanks to a super-fan, we're embarking on a new exploration of the Book of Common Prayer, starting with the prayer for those who influence public opinion. Plus - what's in the lectionary this week? Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many voices: Direct, in our time, we pray, those who speak where many listen and write what many read; that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise, its mind sound, and its will righteous; to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Lectionary: Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A (http://lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Epiphany/AEpi2_RCL.html) Image: Telegraph Newsroom by Rob Enslin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/doos/), distributed under a CC BY license.

If you pay attention the liturgical calendar, it won't let you sentimentalize Christmas, but will force you to come to grips with what the calling of a Christian really is. Image: H. Matthew Howarth (https://www.flickr.com/photos/flatworldsedge/), distributed under a CC BY-SA license.

We finally come back after our Halloween break (and then some) for an Advent roundup and how to deal with this #spoileralert of a Sunday lectionary. Image: Jon Åslund (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jooon/), distributed under a CC BY license.

Friends, we're sorry for the break - we have missed you. We're coming back soon, but meantime, we have a homework assignment for you. #collectlove

Social Media Sunday is September 25. As a podcast made up of two laypeople doing their thing on the internet, we love that Social Media Sunday's origin story is two other laypeople doing their thing on the internet. Here's our interview with Carolyn Clement, a founder of Social Media Sunday, from last year. Music Credit: "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" performed by Aaron Devries (badgerland.bandcamp.com), distributed under a CC BY-NC-SA license.

Luci Hoad and Jordan Ware, co-hosts of Two Feminists Annotate the Bible, join us to talk about repelling barbarians and new collects for the modern inconvenience of ailing technology. This week's prayer: 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; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Image: Eyal6699 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/eyals_photostream/), distributed under a CC BY license.

This week we totally solve the mystery of why we need God's help to love God, and then we fight about the merits of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. This week's prayer: 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. Image: Josh Madison (https://www.flickr.com/photos/joshmadison/), distributed under a CC BY license. Theme music: "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" by Aaron Devries, distributed under a CC BY-NC-SA license.

It was basically inevitable that this week's prayer would lead Holli to imitate Fergie. You're welcome. 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 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. Theme Music: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence by Aaron Devries (badgerland.bandcamp.com), distributed under a CC BY-NC-SA license. Image: Mike Mozart (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/), distributed under a CC BY license.

Holli and Brendan discuss the proper 13 collect and what it means for the church to be cleansed and defended. 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. Image: Enrique Pinto (https://www.flickr.com/photos/henriquev/)

What Bible verse was it where Jesus said to "Love the trolls?" Plus, reflections on the collect for proper 12, allegedly one of the most frequently memorized prayers (call us skeptical).

Live show featuring the Diocese of West Missouri Youth on pilgrimage headed east. We discuss the Collect for Peace, then have a quiz about things that begin with the letters "MO"

This coming Sunday is July 3...but avoid the temptation to use the Independence Day propers! The prayer book does not allow it.

Brendan geeks out over this collect, and Holli is like, meh. Also, an irreverent solution to how confusing it is to tell Elijah and Elisha apart. 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.

Does God really help and govern those set on the foundation of God's loving-kindness? Plus, demons, pigs, and why people need to stop saying "you don't have to check your brain at the door" of the Episcopal Church.

St. Barnabas the Apostle was the wind beneath Paul's wings...so we don't really give him the attention he deserves. This week, we do what we can to rectify that. This week's prayer: 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.

Live from the eFormation 2016 conference at Virginia Theological Seminary - four podcasters reflect on some creative high points and how they came to be. Featuring Casey Fitzgerald of Story Divine, Mihee Kim-Kort of This Everyday Holy, Joe McGarry of Two Bald Pastors, and Brendan O'Sullivan-Hale of The Collect Call. Music by Aaron Devries, distributed under a CC BY-NC-SA license. Thanks to Kyle Oliver, Lisa Kimball, and all the organizers of the eFormation 2016 conference for making this possible, and to Regina Heater for audience wrangling. Photo: Regina Heater

Wherein Brendan officially shows his age by revealing he knows how to read the Wall Street Journal on Snapchat, but can't do anything else, Holli recommends a Britney Spears deep cut, and we also give trustworthy preaching advice. This week's prayer: 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.

This week we compare and contrast how God and Holli order their respective universes. Plus - Holli has a WELP moment with Galations, and Brendan picks a fight with the Revised Common Lectionary. This week's prayer: O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and earth: Put away from us, we entreat you, all hurtful things, and give us those things which are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. BLOGFORCE Challenge on GenX and Millennial participation in General Convention: http://www.acts8movement.org/blogforce-getting-the-generations-to-general-convention/

Explaining the Trinity, a heresy quiz show, and the Prayers of the People, reviewed. Featuring music by Robert Cavaco (soundcloud.com/rocavaco), distributed under a CC BY-NC-SA license. This week's collect: Almighty and everlasting God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of thy Divine Majesty to worship the Unity: We beseech thee that thou wouldest keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see thee in thy one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Special guest Corban Qualls joins us for a conversation about the Incarnation. Plus - music for Pentecost! This week's collect: 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. Featured music: "Breathe on Me" performed by Michael van Patter, distributed under a CC BY-NC-ND license. "Pentecost" by Haden Laas, arranged and performed by Grant Valdes, distributed under a CC BY-NC-SA license. "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" performed by Aaron Devries, distributed under a CC BY-NC-SA license.

Though intended to be digitally remastered picture disk edition of our seventh show, the original sound files were lost so this is just a rebroadcast for the sake of completeness. We'll be back with new content soon! 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.

A digitally remastered picture disk edition of our sixth show! We didn't know what we were doing when we started, so the audio was terrible...now, with our acquired skills, experience the early episodes of The Collect Call like never before. 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.

A digitally remastered picture disk edition of our fifthshow! We didn't know what we were doing when we started, so the audio was terrible...now, with our acquired skills, experience the early episodes of The Collect Call like never before. 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.

A digitally remastered picture disk edition of our fourth show! We didn't know what we were doing when we started, so the audio was terrible...now, with our acquired skills, experience the early episodes of The Collect Call like never before. 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 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.

A digitally remastered picture disk edition of our third show! We didn't know what we were doing when we started, so the audio was terrible...now, with our acquired skills, experience the early episodes of The Collect Call like never before. 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.

The Collect for the 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.

A digitally remastered picture disk edition of our first show! We didn't know what we were doing when we started, so the audio was terrible...now, with our acquired skills, experience the early episodes of The Collect Call like never before.

With special guest Corban Qualls, we explore hope and the afterlife, and why the various occasions these collects were composed for exist in the first place.

An encore edition of one of our greatest hits - Wherein we find ourselves at a loss answering deep theological questions from the five year old mind, and marvel at some truly confounding cake recipes.

Regular readers of the Daily Office probably know this collect by heart and it was for hundreds of years required to be said daily. BONUS: What does the Rev. Dr. Massey Shepherd, Jr. have against compline? Image: William Morris Agency, available under public domain.

Wherein we discover what Ash Wednesday and Prayer C have in common. Image: Storm Crypt (https://www.flickr.com/photos/storm-crypt/), distributed under a CC BY-NC-ND license.

Learning about the mysterious linkage between Joseph and Mary bringing Jesus to the Temple and Groundhog Day.

We interview Frank Logue and Nurya Love Parish about digital evangelism, and how churches can use short videos to spread their message online.

The Feast of the Confession of St, Peter: Come for the reflection on the unity of the church; stay for the Duane Johnson jokes. Image: Carron Brown (https://www.flickr.com/photos/carron/), distributed under a CC BY-NC license.

This week's prayer was written by a former Archbishop of Canterbury, but Holli notes that he may have misinterpreted the Gospel. Plus! We solve a listener's liturgical mystery.

Holli and Brendan reconcile after an internet poll confirms they're both right, and we learn why we should be careful about saying always and never. Plus: announcing a contest for our listeners! Image: Thomas Hawk (https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/), distributed under a CC BY-NC license.

We republish our Epiphany 2015 episode with a little bit of supplemental material. The Collect Call: tearing down sentimental favorites since 2014. Featuring music by Aaron Devries, Ben Devries, and Maya Solovey, distributed under a CC BY-NC-SA license.

Scott Gunn joins us again to discuss the day formerly known as the Feast of the Circumcision. Image: Alice Daer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/alist/), distributed under a CC BY-NC license.

For Christmas, special guest the Rev. Scott Gunn joins us to talk about light shining in the darkness, tanning salons, and our feelings about Silent Night. Image: mgmk photography (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mgkmphotography/), distributed under a CC BY-NC-ND license.