The Collect for Purity

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our
hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may
perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A “collect” (pronounced COLL-ect) is a prayer whose purpose is to gather the congregation together with unity of intent, that is to “collect” (coll-ECT) us. The Eucharist begins as a corporate act, an act of a single people and not just a gathering of individuals. Throughout the Scriptures, Jewish and Christian, God has consistently acted to redeem “a people,” not just certain individuals. In the middle ages, Christian worship became a spectator sport. Individuals came to church to do their private devotions while Mass was being said in a language they did not understand by priests who were physically remote from them, separated from the congregation by screens and rails. Our Prayer Book calls us together in unity of heart and mind and intention. This particular collect reminds us that we are utterly known to God and that we are filled (inspired) by God’s Spirit dwelling within us. This prayer, therefore, states what we believe to be reality – we are known by and filled with God.