Collect for The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
June 24 Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Scripture to pray with
- John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
- John 1:1-4
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. …
- Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
- John 4:34
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
- 1 John 2:2
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
How to pray this prayer
Read it slowly, aloud if you can. Pause at each phrase and make it your own: name the people and situations on your heart. Close by sitting quietly for a minute, trusting that God has heard you (1 John 5:14–15).