Commontide

For a Virtuous Heart

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag down; an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose can tempt aside. Bestow upon me understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that finally may embrace you. Amen.

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Commontide
Collect
Prayers

Christ the King

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui in dilecto Filio tuo, universorum Rege, omnia instaurare voluisti: concede propitius; ut cunctae familiae Gentium, peccati vulnere disgregatae, ejus suavissimo subdantur imperio.

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Original-language source · public domain

BCP 2019, p. 623

Proper Preface

Preface of Christ the King

Through your only begotten Son Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords; for you have seated him at your right hand in glory, and put all things in subjection under his feet, that he may present them to you, O Father, perfectly restored in beauty, truth, and love.

Provenance

Roman Missal, 1925

Draft — AI-assisted research under editorial review.

Composed in 1925 when Pope Pius XI established a feast honoring Christ's kingship over all nations, this collect lifts its opening clause almost verbatim from Paul's letter to the Ephesians. The English text in Anglican prayer books is a free adaptation made for the 1979 Episcopal prayer book by its working editor, Howard Galley.