As I shared last week, the purpose of a “Collect” is to direct our hearts toward God’s attributes and actions. Through them, we offer petitions, recognize the eternal unity and sovereignty of the Holy Trinity, and conclude the prayer with an “Amen.”

This week’s collect reminds us that the Lord will reward our good works. However, this does not mean that our good works redeem us in any way. As the Apostle Paul declared to the Ephesians: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8). 

Although good works cannot save us, God has created each of us for good works. Once again, listen to what Paul said about this: “[God] creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10, MSG). For God’s good works to flourish in and through us, we need daily connection with the Lord Jesus Christ and ongoing filling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, may we come together in heart and pray: Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that bringing forth in abundance the fruit of good works, they may be abundantly rewarded when our Savior Jesus Christ comes to restore all things; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

With these thoughts in mind, let us say: “Amen!”