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

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the substance of our flesh, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, majestatem tuam supplices exoramus: ut, sicut Unigenitus Filius tuus hodierna die cum nostrae carnis substantia in templo est praesentatus; ita nos facias purificatis tibi mentibus praesentari.

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Original-language source · public domain

BCP 2019, p. 603

Proper Preface

Preface of the Presentation

Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Provenance

Gregorian, c.787

Draft — AI-assisted research under editorial review.

One of the oldest collects in the Anglican prayer book, this oration was translated by Thomas Cranmer in 1549 from a Latin text in the Gregorian Sacramentary. Its central image is drawn from Luke 2: as Christ was presented in the Temple in genuine human flesh, so we ask to be presented before God with pure hearts.