THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Gracious Father, strengthen our determination to prepare for the return of your Son through deeds that proclaim your justice, mercy, and truth, so that on the day of his glorious appearing we may be found worthy to inherit your kingdom, and to take our place with him at your right hand. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Loving Father, in your wisdom you caused the Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly comprehend them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have revealed to us through the Incarnation of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Merciful Father, in ancient days you sent your messengers to prepare the way for your only-begotten Son. In our time grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise ready the way for him by turning the hearts of the disobedient to wisdom, that at his second coming to judge the world we may be found to be a people acceptable in your sight. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
This Collect is used on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of this Week.
Holy Father, you govern and sanctify the people of your Church through the working of your Spirit. Grant that all the faithful may truly and devoutly serve you through the various vocations and ministries to which you call them. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Provident Father, by the guidance of your Spirit, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers to serve the faithful. Grant that your Church in our own day may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and may uphold them in their labors for your kingdom. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Bishop and Shepherd of our souls, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Eternal Father, giver of all good gifts, in your divine providence you have appointed various orders of ministry to serve in your Church. Give your grace to [___, and to] all who are [now] called to Holy Orders. Fill them with your truth and clothe them with holiness of life, that they may faithfully serve you, to the glory of your Name and to the benefit of your holy Church. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Glorious Father, we await the Christmas feast with anticipation, rejoicing in the knowledge that you have reshaped the human story through the Incarnation of your beloved Son. Help us to share the light and joy of his gospel through our words and our deeds, that all people may experience your loving kindness, and look forward with hope to his coming, with salvation, at the end of the present age. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.