Prayers: Nicholas (c342), Bishop

God our Father,
you loved the world so much that you gave us your only Son, Jesus Christ,
who has taught us to love one another as he has loved us.
You continue to bless the world
by raising up holy people whose lives reveal your kingdom of light and love.
We thank you for St Nicholas,
whose love and generosity inspires us even to this day.
May his example of holiness and self giving love
move us to give as we have received.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer of Blessing for the Giving of Oranges or other Gifts

God our Loving Father,
as we prepare for the season of goodwill,
inspire us, like St Nicholas, to live generously for others,
to reach out to those in need
and to bring light to those in darkness.
Bless us and all who receive these oranges,
a sign of the sweetness of your love,
so that we may reap a harvest of peace and joy
and bear the fruit of Jesus’ love in our lives.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer of Blessing for the Giving of Coins or other Gifts

God our Father,
the light of Christmas is breaking upon the horizon,
the night time gives way to the coming of your Son into the world.
Bless us and all who receive these coins.
May they remind us of the generosity and kindness of St Nicholas
and the help he eagerly gave to those who were in trouble or need.
Help us to use our gifts to create a world of peace and love.
May we be signs of hope in a world of despair,
shining beacons of light where darkness overshadows.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer of Blessing for Gifts for the Poor

God our Father,
your Son Jesus Christ became poor for our sake,
stripping himself of glory
and becoming human like us.
He showed special concern for all who were in need,
bringing good news to the poor
and raising up all who are bowed down.
The church, charged with the same mission,
reaches out today to those who are in need.
With the example of St Nicholas,
who dedicated himself to works of charity and love,
bless all who receive these gifts
that they may be filled with joy
and receive all they need to lead full and wholesome lives.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Times and Seasons: Advent to the Presentation

Collect 319

Almighty Father,
Lover of souls,
who chose your servant Nicholas to be a bishop in the Church,
that he might give freely of the treasures of your grace:
make us mindful of the needs of others
and, as we have received, so teach us also to give;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

The Revised New Calendar and The Contemporary Collects