From Deacon Ron Reno:
O LORD, we beseech thee favorably to hear the prayers of thy people; that we, who are justly punished for our offenses, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen. Collect for Septuagesima Sunday
Septuagesima is Latin for seventieth. The period is sometimes called pre- 
Lent. It is really an ancient pre-lenten tradition Septuagesima is the beginning of our shortest liturgical season. It helps ease us from the joy of Christmas to the seriousness of Lent. It takes a more somber tone without being as strict as the Lenten fast. The season is seventeen days long and it includes the three Sundays before Ash Wednesday. The length never changes but the start date is dependent the movable date of Easter.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of David Sherwood who has passed. May the perpetual light shine upon him. Pray for God’s armor and protection for Nick who has been dealt a heavy load of grief over the last 6 months. Deacon
Presentation in the Temple and Mary’s purification closes out our Christmastide and another 40 days to the glory of God. While we do celebrate our Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany this next week, we continue our love of being our part of the body of Christ. Our discipleship never ends and we are looking forward to our Gesima Season (pre-Lent) and prepare for our Lenten season. The pre-lent season became part of our first Book of Common Prayer and came to us by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in 1549. We will discuss our ancient “Sarum Missal” prayers and readings more in our upcoming emails.
O GOD, who knowest us to be in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen. Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany collect.