I’m not really much of a Lent Respecter, myself, but the Order of Worship for the Reformed Church in the United States makes provision for its observance and the prayers continue to be good, so I continue to share them. (“Sexagesima” is the traditional title for the Second Sunday before Lent.)
Two collects are included in this post: that for Septuagesima Sunday (last week) and for Sexagesima Sunday (today).
The latter of these asks for grace to follow the good example of the saints that have gone before us, and thus dovetails nicely with what we saw in Zanchi’s Colossians commentary on memorials for the martyrs a few days ago.
The Third Sunday before Lent–Septuagesima
THE COLLECT
O LORD, we beseech Thee favorably to hear the prayers of thy people; that we who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy name; through Jesus Christ, our Savior, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
The Second Sunday before Lent–Sexagesima
THE COLLECT
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who givest power to the faint, and strength to them that have no might; look mercifully, we beseech Thee, on our low estate, and cause thy grace to triumph in our weakness; that we may rise and follow in the way of righteousness those who by their faith and patience already inherit the promises; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.