A couple of collects for this week:
Ascension Day
Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that He might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to His promise, He abides with His Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe Your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with Him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Sunday after Ascension Day
O God, the King of glory, You have exalted Your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to Your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us Your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
These prayers really draw us into the story of the risen and victorious Lord Jesus! He has died, He is risen and these are true and they are historical facts with profound, world-changing effect today. But here, in this prayer, we acknowledge Christ’s current activity in History. In this prayer, we acknowledge that Jesus is now ascended, now seated at the right hand of the Father, and now our Advocate who constantly intercedes for us!
The Te Deum, an amazing fourth century prayer invites the Church to join in the worship that is now eternally happening around the throne: “You are God: we praise You… we acclaim You… all creation worships You… all angels, all powers… apostles… prophets… martyrs praise You.”
Check out how present all that worship is! How privileged we are to be invited to join in that worship, to praise, along with those fully alive in Christ’s glorious presence, our Savior Jesus who is, even now, upon the Throne…
The Ascension calls us to, as Chris Rice sings so simply, “circle up, circle up around the throne, old and young, saints of every history…”
2 responses so far ↓
...paul // May 6, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I think “amazing” is a great word to describe the Te Deum; a wonderful prayer that doesn’t see the light of day frequently enough. Thanks Tom.
blendedworship // May 6, 2008 at 8:29 pm
As they say here in Bolivia, “Con todo gusto.” That is, “my pleasure”.
As a songwriter, these old prayers really inspire me to put them to music. I’ve been messing with St. Patrick’s Breastplate (with mixed success) for about three years, off and on.
This one would really sing if one took the time to put it to a good tune (or tunes)!
Leave a Comment