Gardener God


Proper 17    The Sunday closest to August 31
Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of
all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name;
increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness;
and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
This ancient collect of the day for next Sunday dates in Latin from 7th and 8th century Gelasian and Gregorian Sacramentaries (books for celebrating the Mass) and the 11th century Sarum Rite. In his book Commentary on the American Prayer Book (Seabury, 1980), Professor Marion Hatchett aptly describes it as a metaphor of the farmer or gardener. The fruit of good works is brought forth by the grace of God who plants, nourishes, and continues to care.
TW+