Commontide
Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well-being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor, and went forth courageously in mission for the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
BCP 2019, p. 629
Preface of Apostles
Through the great shepherd of your flock, Jesus Christ our Lord, who after his resurrection sent forth his apostles to preach the Gospel and to teach all nations, and promised to be with them always, even to the end of the ages.
Draft — AI-assisted research under editorial review.
This prayer for Barnabas's feast was composed for the 1979 Episcopal revision of the Book of Common Prayer, replacing a Cranmerian collect in use since 1549. The new text draws directly on Acts: Barnabas selling his land for the Jerusalem poor, and his courageous missionary journey with Paul.