A Collect to Hear the Father’s Word

Heavenly Father, who speaks to us through your Spirit within us, open our ears, that we would not miss what you are revealing to us, but would receive your word and presence so that we would be changed into greater conformity to your likeness, made holy and engaged in your creation and in your redemptive work, through Jesus Christ, who was and is and will ever be connected to you and your Spirit. Amen. ‘ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.’ – Matthew 16:16-17