The Circumcision of Christ, or The Holy Name

Albrecht Dürer Circumcision

The Circumcision, from the middle panel of The Seven Sorrows of Mary, by Albrecht Dürer (1471–1518. From Wikipedia.

Almighty God, who madest thy blessed Son to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man: Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit; that, our hearts, and all our members, being mortified . . . → Read More: The Circumcision of Christ, or The Holy Name

The First Sunday after Christmas Day

Advent Wreath Christmas

Almighty God, who hast given us thy only–begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus . . . → Read More: The First Sunday after Christmas Day

Saint Sylvester

St Sylvester and the Dragon

Saint Sylvester overcomes the dragon of the Tarpeian Rock, by Battista da Vicenza (1375?–1438)

Most merciful God, we humbly pray thee, that like as when thy blessed Abbot Sylvester was devoutly meditating over an open tomb on the vanity of this life, thou didst vouchsafe to call him thence unto the desert, and . . . → Read More: Saint Sylvester

Saint Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury

Thomas Becket

The Martyrdom of Thomas Becket

O God, by whose grace and power thy holy Martyr Thomas triumphed over suffering, and despised death: Grant, we beseech thee, that enduring hardness, and waxing valiant in fight we may with him receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

. . . → Read More: Saint Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury

The Fourth Sunday in Advent

Advent Wreath Advent IV

O Lord, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus . . . → Read More: The Fourth Sunday in Advent

Winter (Advent) Ember Days: III

Ember Days at the four seasons: Winter

Winter, by Abel Grimmer (1565–1630). From Wikipedia.

O God, who dost ever hallow and protect thy Church: Raise up therein, through thy Spirit, good and faithful stewards of the mysteries of Christ; that by their ministry and example thy people may abide in thy favour, and be guided in the way of . . . → Read More: Winter (Advent) Ember Days: III

Winter (Advent) Ember Days: II

Ember Days at the four seasons: Winter

For Those to be Ordained

Winter, by Abel Grimmer (1565–1630). From Wikipedia.

Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers Orders in thy Church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who are to be called to any office and administration . . . → Read More: Winter (Advent) Ember Days: II

Saint Thomas, Apostle

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, by Caravaggio (1571–1610)

Almighty and everliving God, who, for the greater confirmation of the faith, didst suffer thy holy Apostle Thomas to be doubtful in thy Son’s resurrection: Grant us so perfectly, and without all doubt, to believe in thy Son Jesus Christ, that our faith in thy . . . → Read More: Saint Thomas, Apostle

Winter (Advent) Ember Days: I

Ember Days at the four seasons: Winter

For Peace in the World

Winter, by Abel Grimmer (1565–1630). From Wikipedia.

Almighty Lord and everlasting Father, who wouldest have the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of thy Son Jesus Christ: Bestow thy blessing, we beseech thee, upon all who labour for peace and righteousness among the nations, that the . . . → Read More: Winter (Advent) Ember Days: I

Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

Ignatius of Antioch

The Martyrdom of Ignatius of Antioch, from the Menologion of Basil II (c. 1000). From Wikipedia.

Renew in thy Church, we beseech thee, O Lord, the courage of Ignatius the Martyr, the fervour of his letters, and the faithfulness of his teaching: That men may so burn with love towards thee, as . . . → Read More: Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr