Jeremy M S Clines: eco-liturgy and earlier thoughts: Eco-theology

Showing posts with label Eco-theology. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 09, 2018

Index to Collects and Post Communions: Redub / Children's Reboot

This is the index of my Green Prayers which I introduce here. The prayers are either my redubs or my reboots of Church of England prayers that are called "Collects" or "Post Communions".

Below is a week by week list of all of my Collects and Post Communions published for each Sunday of the Church year and principal feast days. The prayers for August to November are still being written.

This alternative prayers project was begun at the start of December 2012 and is continuing.

Up and coming prayers (2nd Dec 2018 – 2 Feb 2019)
Advent
First Sunday of Advent (2–8 Dec '18)
Second Sunday of Advent (9–15 Dec '18)
Third Sunday of Advent (16–22 Dec '18)
Fourth Sunday of Advent (23 Dec '18)

Christmas
Christmas Eve (24 Dec '18)
Christmas Night (24 Dec '18)
Christmas Day (25 Dec '18)
First Sunday of Christmas (30 Dec '18)

Epiphany
The Epiphany, 6 January (06 Jan '19)
Baptism of Christ (1st Sunday of Epiphany) (06–12 Jan '19)
Second Sunday of Epiphany (13–19 Jan '19)
Third Sunday of Epiphany (20–26 Jan '19)
Fourth Sunday of Epiphany (27 Jan–02 Feb '19)
Candlemas: Presentation of Christ in the Temple (02 Feb '19)

Introduction: Redubbing and Rebooting Collects for a Year

Welcome to my redubbed and rebooted Collects and Post Communion prayers.

I am redubbing existing Collects and Post Communions.

I am rebooting by starting again for children.

I always start with Common Worship.

I build an index as I go along.

There are many existing prayers in the category "Collects and Post Communions" that are inaccessible or unintelligible to some or many for a variety of reasons (note my January 2017 letter to the Church Times on that topic).

I've been writing 5 prayers for each Sunday. I'm going to also write 4 or 5 prayers for Principal Feasts and Holy Days. I've done two-thirds of the Church year, with prayers left to be written for August to November. The project began in December 2012 and after I have written five prayers for all Sundays and Principal Feasts—that's about 70 sets of five prayers that run across the year—I also hope to write 2 prayers for some Lesser Festivals too.

I have a pre-occupation with liberation theologies. I'm particularly concerned about environment, women and children. I wrote a PhD on ecotheology and Common Worship: here.

If you want to use the prayers,
an acknowledgement of myself as author
and, if there's space, the url to my blog
would be much appreciated.

Collects and Post Communions (Redub)

Redubbing means changing prayers, not writing entirely new texts. I always begin with the Church of England's Common Worship texts, and so to redub is 'to refit', 'to repair' and 'to make reparation' to the existing prayers in relation to the following concerns:

Gender neutral and inclusive language;
Simplified sentence structure and vocabulary;
A desire to retain metaphors that are accessible;
Earthing the text: i.e. making sure creation gets a look in;
Making them prayers for as many as possible, not just those in the 'church';
Keeping children and empowerment in mind at all times.

The prayers will appear on this blog, at least a few days before the following Sunday so that people who feel compelled* to bring a bit of equality theology into their worship can.

I am redubbing 3 prayers for every week of the Church year (plus major festivals). Redub will begin, first, with Collects and Post Communions, but I hope to extend. My redubs sit next to my Reboots for Children of existing Collects and Post Communions.

I'm choosing Collects and Post Communions because they sum up the church's theology each week for lay and ordained--especially the Collect. Unequal thinking in these prayers is something I want to challenge.

I'm not aiming to improve on poetry or style, but I am wanting to get to a theology that works for me and can be more palatable for those praying it.

Sometimes the unfamiliarity of a new text means, however simple, it may still be much harder to read. I'm grateful for feedback, especially from any who try using them. I'm keen to keep re-writing as well, as work in progress.

If you want to use* the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and if there's space the url to my blog would be much appreciated.

* CofE clergy who have taken a vow of canonical obedience may recall that using non-authorized Collects at a CofE Eucharist as 'The Collect' is not authorized (in a typical, church, non-ecumenical or non-LEP setting). CofE clergy may also recall that it's optional as to what Post Communion prayer is used at a eucharist. [CofE clergy may not be aware that an authorized Post Communion can be used instead of a Collect since it is an authorized prayer.]

Index of Prayers

Collects and Post Communions (Children's Reboot)

When it comes to children and Common Worship, I believe there's a need for a reboot (switch off and start again) of Collects and Post Communions. My rebooted prayers sit next to my work Redubbing existing Collects and Post Communions.

The principles for rebooting are similar to those for redubbing:

Gender neutral and inclusive language;
Great simplicity;
Reduction in use of metaphor;
Earthing the text: i.e. making sure creation gets a look in;
Making them prayers for as many possible, not just those in church;
Keeping children and empowerment as the primary focus.

The prayers will appear on this blog, ideally, at least a few days before the following Sunday so that people who feel compelled* to bring a bit of equality theology into their worship can.

I'm choosing Collects and Post Communions because they sum up the church's theology each week for lay and ordained, young and old—especially the Collect. Unequal thinking in these prayers is something I want to challenge. Thinking that children can understand is something I want to provide.

Having tested the original and my redubbed prayers against the Gunning Fog index for readability, I realize the original prayers have such high reading ages i.e. the number of years of formal education required to make sense of a text on a first reading. For example, 40+ years of formal education is needed to understand the Collect for the First Sunday of Advent at first glance! When I redubbed that prayer it was still inaccessible to a child wasn't possible (I got it down to about 10+ years). It was time for a reboot!

I'm hoping that what I write will be useful for children and for child spirituality practictioners. I hope it will be a prompt, too, for those working to design liturgies so children can understand a fair amount a first hearing.

If you want to use* the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the url to my blog, would be much appreciated.

Index of Prayers

Sunday, January 03, 2016

Collect, The Epiphany, 6 January (Redub)

God, maker of the heavens,

a star led the Magi to the

place of Christ's birth.

Their journey changed them,

they went back different.

May we, with all people,

see your love and your creation

in a new way, today and forever.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 9.41 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 27.85 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a redub.

The Epiphany Collection of 5 prayers is here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project began Advent 2012.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the url to my blog would be much appreciated.

Additional Collect, The Epiphany, 6 January (Redub)

God of the star fields,

the Magi saw a star and

went to where Jesus was born.

As we travel the road to freedom,

guide us to find your love

in our lives, in our world,

and in our cosmos.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 8.0 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 12.8 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a redub.

The Epiphany Collection of 5 prayers is here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project began Advent 2012.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the url to my blog would be much appreciated

Post Communion, The Epiphany, 6 January (Redub)

God maker of heaven and earth,

help us follow your light.

Just as the shining of a star

changed the lives of the Magi,

may you reveal your love to us.

It is in you that,
we and the creation move and live
and have our being.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 6.33 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 15.6 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a redub.

The Epiphany Collection of 5 prayers is here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project began Advent 2012.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the url to my blog would be much appreciated.

Tuesday, July 07, 2015

Third Sunday after Trinity Sunday Post Communion (Children’s Reboot)

God you have made us

and you understand us.

You love for us is a bit like

clothes that are just the right fit.

Your love will never run out,

help us share your love.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 5.81 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 22.53 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a reboot.

My collection of five prayers for the Third Sunday after Trinity Sunday are here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project runs from Advent 2012 to Advent 2013.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Third Sunday after Trinity Sunday Collect (Children’s Reboot)

Thank you God for

being with us when we need you.

Thank you God for

helping us enjoy life.

Thank you for being with us

when we are sad too.

Help us notice your love.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 4.64 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 35.14 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a reboot.

My collection of five prayers for the Third Sunday after Trinity Sunday are here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project runs from Advent 2012.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Third Sunday after Trinity Sunday Post Communion (Redub)

O God, your beauty fills our lives and cosmos.

Your love and power sustains the universe.

We can only begin to imagine all that you are,

only begin to comprehend your love.

Thank you for all that you have revealed of yourself

and all the ways we can look upon you without fear.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 9.07 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 22.53 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a redub.

My collection of five prayers for the Third Sunday after Trinity Sunday are here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project runs from Advent 2012.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Third Sunday after Trinity, Additional Collect (Redub)

God our rescuer, come stand among us

in your love and power:

heal the earth, save the people,

and speak words of peace over us,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 12.0 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 12.28 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a redub.

My collection of five prayers for the Third Sunday after Trinity Sunday are here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project runs from Advent 2012.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Third Sunday after Trinity, Collect (Redub)

God of power,

we have faith your eternal rule of love

will overcome all that is wrong

in our world and our lives.

Your Spirit fills us and fills the world

with your sustaining love.

Give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service,

that we and all creation may be brought

to the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 12.28 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 35.14 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a redub.

My collection of five prayers for the 3rd Sunday after Trinity Sunday are here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project began in Advent 2012.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Third Sunday after Trinity Prayer Collection

Here are the links to my five new Collects and Post Communions for the Third Sunday after Trinity Sunday.

Collect (Redub);

Additional Collect (Redub);

Post Communion (Redub);

Collect (Children's Reboot);

Post Communion (Children's Reboot).

The project runs from Advent 2012.

Here's a full Index of Prayers that I've written.

Here's the information on how a prayer is a redub.

Here's the information on how a prayer is a reboot.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Friday, June 07, 2013

Second Sunday of Trinity Post Communion (Children's Reboot)

Thank you God

that when bread and wine are shared

we think about your love.

Help us, when we share

to think about those who go

hungry and thirsty.

Gift us with the longing

to help serve the needs of our world.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 5.6 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 19.27 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a reboot.

My collection of five prayers for the 2nd Sunday after Trinity Sunday are here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project runs from Advent 2012 to Advent 2013.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Second Sunday of Trinity Collect (Children's Reboot)

Thank you God that

your love goes on for ever.

Thank you that love

is stronger than death.

Thank you that you

give us all the love we need.

Help us love one another.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 4.58 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 16.25 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a reboot.

My collection of five prayers for the 2nd Sunday after Trinity Sunday are here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project runs from Advent 2012 to Advent 2013.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Second Sunday of Trinity Post Communion (Redub)

God of never-ending love,

we thank you for helping us

bring to mind all that is life-giving

in the sharing of bread and wine.

Sustain and renew our lives

and the face of the earth.

Strengthen us to bring the good news

of your presence in all things created.

Prepare us for the eternal day

when none will ever hunger or thirst.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 7.02 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 19.27 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a redub.

My collection of five prayers for the 2nd Sunday after Trinity Sunday are here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project runs from Advent 2012 to Advent 2013.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Second Sunday of Trinity Additional Collect (Redub)

Faithful Creator, whose mercy never fails,

our Lord and our God,

gift us faith in Jesus Christ;

the Word you have breathed into all Creation.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 10.0 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 10.0 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a redub.

My collection of five prayers for the 2nd Sunday after Trinity Sunday are here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project runs from Advent 2012 to Advent 2013.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Second Sunday of Trinity Collect (Redub)

God of all love and mercy,

you have shown us that

love is stronger, even than death.

By your Holy Spirit, infuse our lives

and the creation with your gifts of love.

Place within our world your life-giving peace,

and renew the earth with your never-ending grace.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 6.53 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 16.25 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a redub.

My collection of five prayers for the 2nd Sunday after Trinity Sunday are here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project began in Advent 2012.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Second Sunday after Trinity Prayer Collection (Redub / Reboot)

Here are the links to my five new Collects and Post Communions for the Second Sunday after Trinity Sunday.

Collect (Redub);

Additional Collect (Redub);

Post Communion (Redub);

Collect (Children's Reboot);

Post Communion (Children's Reboot).

The project runs from Advent 2012 to Advent 2013.

Here's a full Index of Prayers that I've written.

Here's the information on how a prayer is a redub.

Here's the information on how a prayer is a reboot.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

First Sunday after Trinity, Post Communion (Children's Reboot)

God of life and love,

there is plenty of food

in the world you have made.

Everyone can have enough.

Help us remember the hungry

when we share a meal.

Help us care about those

who work on the land.

Help us care about those

who feed the hungry.

Amen.

The Gunning Fog readability index suggests 4.93 years of formal education is required to understand this prayer on a first reading, the Common Worship prayer requires 18.36 years.

Here's the information on how this prayer is a reboot.

My collection of five prayers for the First Sunday after Trinity Sunday are here.

You can also look at the full Index of Prayers.

The project runs from Advent 2012 to Advent 2013.

If you want to use the prayers, an acknowledgement of myself as author and, if there's space, the link to my blog would be much appreciated.