What is a Collect?

A collect (pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable) is a ‘collecting prayer’, a prayer that gathers together and expresses the requests of the whole group of people. It can be said in a range of situations.
In the Eucharist there are usually two collects - the "Collect for Purity" and the "Collect for the Day". The latter concludes The Gathering (the first part of the service, in which those present are formed into a worshipping congregation) and sums up the (usually silent) prayers of the people. At other services the collect for the day brings to a close a period of intercession or thanksgiving.
The collect for the day is usually the collect for a Sunday and the following week and may also be called the "Collect for the Week". Some people learn the collects by heart and many pray them throughout the week concerned. In this way their own personal prayers are linked with the Church’s Sunday liturgy. Special day's during the week e.g.Saint's days will have their own collect for that day.


Many collects date from the ancient Church or the Reformation era. They are usually written in majestic prose and are addressed to God. They have been in regular use since the Council of Hippo in 393. Their form is:

  1. an address to God
  2. a phrase referring to an attribute of God or a saving act of God
  3. the petition or request
  4. the reason for the prayer
  5. the conclusion
(The second and fourth part may occasionally be omitted.)

Click here to find out more about the different parts of the church services.

The Collect for Purity

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

Compare the thoughts of this collect with Luke 8:17; Romans 2:16; 1 John 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8.