Collect or Opening Prayer at Mass by Fr. Joseph Evinger
In continuation of the series on the Mass, today we will look at the Collect, the opening prayer said before the scripture readings.
The prayer is called the Collect because it collects our minds and so prepares us to enter more easily into the Liturgy of the Word. Before the priest begins this prayer he gives the invocation “Let us pray” immediately followed by a moment of silence. The invocation and silence are a little reminder to lift our hearts and minds back to God in prayer, but this time allowing the priest to pray to the Father in heaven on our behalf. The priest prays while everyone listens and assists him in prayer with silence and reverence. The priest opens his hands known as the orans position begging God for faith, for strength, for love, and for perseverance in running the race to heaven. Since the only way to heaven or to God our Father is through Jesus Christ, the prayer is most commonly closed with the words, “Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.” This closing reminds us of the Trinitarian Sign of the Cross made at the beginning of Mass; all three persons of the Blessed Trinity are mentioned. Then the people respond with their agreement to the prayer, “Amen”, followed by their change of posture—everyone sits down as the scripture readings begin. We are collected and ready to hear God’s word spoken to us in the sacred scriptures. May this prayer always be a prayer which collects our thoughts towards God our Father.