Love his name
Lord of power and might,
the author and giver of all good things;
graft into our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us faithfulness and true devotion,
nourish us with all that is good,
and by your great mercy keep us walking in your ways,
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
All through the Bible, God is presented to us as the almighty Creator who directs all things according to his will (Genesis 1:1–3; Psalm 147:4–5; Daniel 4:35). Yet this powerful Creator is also a loving and gracious Lord. He is the generous giver of all good gifts (Psalm 84:11-12; Matthew 7:11; Philippians 4:19). Both these truths about God give us confidence to pray to him for all that we need and desire.
This collect asks such a God for four things that we cannot give ourselves. Firstly, that God would graft a love for his name into our hearts. Love for God’s name means loving everything about him, his person and work. It also means being concerned for his reputation, determined that he will not be ignored or dishonoured. Today we watch some leaders within the Anglican Communion who seem more concerned for the approval of the world than for the glory of God’s name. Maybe you feel the pressure from them to follow the crowd and leave aside the gospel you have learned. Perhaps this is causing you many restless nights and worry. Remember that God is able to strengthen us to love his name and to stand firm, even in the face of significant opposition. We simply have to ask.
Secondly, the collect asks that God increase our faithfulness and true devotion to him. This comes only as we know who God is and who we truly are. We are sinners, loved by God. Jesus has died for us, so we live lives of love in response to God for the glory of Christ.
Thirdly, we ask for food that will nourish us. The imagery of being nourished is of one who is fed with healthy food that grows and strengthens us. The food which God gives us in Jesus will last for eternity (John 4:10; 6:27-35, 53-58). It is so unlike the junk food promoted by the world and some within the church. Asserting ourselves and defining ourselves without reference to God or anyone else might look inviting from the outside, but it is not good for us.
Lastly, in this collect we ask for help to keep us walking in God’s ways. We are so prone to wander off the path that God has laid for us, yet God enables us to wake each morning and choose not to walk for sin, for death, but for Christ, for life (Psalm 1; Ephesians 2:1-10; 5:15).
Dear reader, let us pray this now, since what it asks for is necessary and good for us, and we cannot give it to ourselves. It is only a work of God.
So pray this with me:
Lord of power and might,
the author and giver of all good things;
graft into our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us faithfulness and true devotion,
nourish us with all that is good,
and by your great mercy keep us walking in your ways,
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.