The Use of Written Prayers and Collects in Worship

By Rev. Rebecca

It is often feared that the use of written prayers and responses will infringe on the liberty of the Holy Spirit. However, a balance between written and extemporaneous prayers in worship is helpful for a number of reasons. Written prayers teach us how to pray and what to say in the presence of Almighty God. Sometimes we find ourselves like St. Peter at the Mount of the Transfiguration and do not know what to say in the presence of Divine Majesty. Recall that Jesus and the apostles used pre-cast forms of prayer. Most of the written prayers we use are very ancient or based on Scriptural words and phrases. They provide us with helpful tools, but should not replace spontaneous prayer altogether. Written prayers also increase the participation of the community in prayer because people can pray in unison. A “collect” is another word for prayer and is simply a “collecting” of our thoughts in prayer.