Almighty God, Creator and Redeemer of all that is, source and foundation of time and space, matter and energy, life and consciousness: Grant us in this Society [especially your servants . . .], and all who study the mysteries of your creation, grace to be true witnesses to your glory and faithful stewards of your gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The collect of the Society  of Ordained Scientists  John Keggi
 

THE collect of the Society of Ordained Scientists (SOSc) is used by its members and associates as part of their belonging to a community of prayer. Written in 1987 by the Revd Dr John Keggi, a founder member, it simply and yet majestically embraces the breadth of the created order and God's sovereign place within it.

Despite the presence of some scientists and theologians of renown, the society is not filled with those who have doctorates, but with men and women from across the Churches who share a desire to hold the spheres of Christian faith and scientific endeavour together. Membership involves commitment to a Rule of Life that is designed to serve the Church and the world in relation to science and technology.

This prayer begins with the all-encompassing statement that God is "Creator and Redeemer of all that is", and focuses on the themes of being true witnesses to God's glory, and faithful stewards of God's gifts. The pointers in the opening lines of "time and space, matter and energy, life and consciousness", however, recollect the scope of God's creative and redemptive activity, and provide a deep well to draw from.

To begin doing this, it would be helpful to read the collect slowly a couple of times, preferably aloud, with pauses, noting which words and images catch the attention. Try giving some time to exploring these - with their associated thoughts and feelings - recognising that you are doing so in the presence of God, and with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

The disciplines of science and technology are taken as a given for Western industrialised societies, and provide an aspiration for many developing nations, but Christians often relate to them ambivalently. It is worth reflecting on when you last heard these disciplines opened up in sermons or Bible-study groups.

We can also ask ourselves how often those involved in science or technology are prayed for in our public or private intercessions. If these disciplines are part of God's gift in creation, then part of our stewardship can be expressed in prayer with them and for them.

The collect recognises that God redeems as well as creates. All of God's gifts in creation are capable of misuse, abuse, or neglect, and sometimes that can lead us to focus more on the negative. In the field of genetics, for instance, anxieties around advances that seem to be driven predominantly by commercial interest, or that appear to violate the integrity of creation, may generate suspicion of the whole enterprise.

When we engage in arenas that are contested within the Church, as well as outside - for example, in energy-production, and assisted reproduction - praying for God's grace is a vital discipline. In our prayers, beneath the broad umbrella of God's gracious provision, we could all try to name those qualities that will bring blessing.

In praying for those "who study the mysteries of your creation", the collect invites us to seek blessing and redemption - that which is a true witness to God, and the faithful stewardship of God's gifts. Clarity and courage are required for this wisdom, and the collect subsumes these qualities in seeking grace.

The SOSc collect is a prayer that could well be enriched by having a newspaper - or web news pages - open before you. I hope you will find the Spirit of God making connections that deepen your prayer life in unexpected ways.
 

Dr Lee Rayfield is the Bishop of Swindon.