Fr. Howie is writing a series of “Praying Shapes Believing” articles that appear in our weekly Sunday worship bulletins. Whether it is your first time, or your thousandth, reading, reciting, and praying the traditional Rite II worship from the Book of Common Prayer, it is worthwhile to ask why. We will examine some of our prayers and collects to help us find more meaning and connection in the ritual. See all topics in the Praying Shapes Believing series.
The Collect for Purity – Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
What is it? This prayer started as a private devotion said by the priest before the liturgy. Now it is the first public prayer we say at every Eucharist.
Why do we do it? With the Collect for Purity, we ask God to give us the grace to worship in a way that God will find pleasing. We acknowledge as we begin that we are an “open book” to God, and that we bring our whole selves to worship.
What it says about God – God is the source of all good spiritual gifts. Without God’s grace and mercy, our worship has no meaning.God desires our love and expects us to tell others about the blessings we have received.
Messages for how we live – Everything we do should begin with calling on God to bless it. We have no need to hide anything from God – it’s all out in the open already. Perfection – as God is perfect – is a goal, not a measure of success.
For more – Have a look at Psalm 51.