Trinitytide

We are almost to the end of the “Sundays after Trinity.” The number of Sundays designated in this way varies from year to year, depending on the date of Easter in that year.

The last Sunday in the season of Trinity (included no matter how many or how few Sundays there are in the season) is called “the Sunday next before Advent.” It has traditionally been known as “stir up Sunday,” so named because of the first two words of the collect. This was also the Sunday on which people might “stir up” the traditional Christmas pudding, which needed to be made several weeks in advance of Christmas.

With the end of the Sundays after Trinity the Church Year also ends, beginning again the next week (that is, the first Sunday in December) with the first Sunday in Advent.

 Collect for the twentieth Sunday after Trinity

O Almighty and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commandest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Collect for the twenty-first Sunday after Trinity

Grant, we beseech thee, merciful Lord, to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect for the twenty-third Sunday after Trinity

O God, our refuge and strength, who art the author of all godliness; Be ready, we beseech thee, to hear the devout prayers of the Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Stir up Sunday (next before Advent)

Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.