What IS a Collect?
Unfolding the folds of a collect
Let’s start at the beginning….
What IS a collect?
A collect is a short, focused prayer. It’s a common form of prayer found in prayer books like The Book of Common Prayer. The structure is over 1000 years old.
How do you say collect?
Traditionally the prayer form of the word is pronounced with an emphasis on the first syllable: CO-llect. This is different from the verb collect, which emphasizes the last syllable: co-LLECT. (All that to say, it has a subtle difference in the way the word is pronounced.)
Is it related to the verb collect?
Yes! The verb collect means to gather together. Some would say a collect is a form that helps people gather their intentions together in a liturgical service.
Let’s talk about the form! A collect is…
…A prayer for asking:
A collect is a form designed to contain one longing or one desire. It’s a focused form of prayer.
…A prayer for gathering.
A collect is a form to gather our thoughts and focus them. It’s also used for gathering people together with common longings and hopes.
The Collect Form:
Fold 1: Name who is being prayed to.
Fold 2: Say more about who you are praying to
Fold 3: Name a single request, longing, or desire.
Fold 4: Say more about the request: Why is this longing, request, or desire being offered.
Fold 5: Finish with a “bird of praise” (Amen, maybe it so, etc.)
What does it look like:
Traditional:
Collect for Purity:
(Fold 1) Almighty God, (Fold 2) to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: (Fold 3)Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, (Fold 4) that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; (Fold 5) through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Modern:
A Collect by Pádraig Ó Tuama
Day 2:
God of Exile, (Fold 1)
You were carried into Egypt
by people fleeing danger. (Fold 2)
We pray for all in exile (Fold 3)
that they, like you, can find home
and shelter and safety.
Because you were exiled (Fold 4)
and you remain with
the exiled.
Amen (Fold 5)
-Day 2 Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community by Pádraig Ó Tuama
“The collect has beautiful form, like a haiku of intention. It has five folds. The person speaks to God; the person names part of the story of God; the person names their desire-only one desire; and then the person praying gives a reason why this is the one desire they name. This forth fold echos the first two: the name and the named story of God. And then the person finishes their prayer-with an Amen, or with a small bird of praise.”
Pádraig Ó Tuama in Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community
Questions to consider:
What surprises you about the form of a collect?
Do you have a favorite collect?
Thank you for creating this space and opportunity for this practice!