saint barnabas
June 11
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. Preface of Apostles
On June 11, in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, you’ll find a Collect for Saint Barnabas—a short, powerful prayer that captures the spirit of this apostle and encourages us to live in his example:
Traditional Collect (Church of England):
“O Lord God Almighty, who didst endue thy holy Apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the Holy Ghost: Leave us not, we beseech thee, destitute of thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them alway to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (churchofengland.org)
- Meaning: This collect thanks God for equipping Barnabas with the Holy Spirit’s extraordinary gifts—his encouragement, boldness, generosity in mission, and spiritual insight. It then petitions God to continue blessing His Church with spiritual gifts and the grace to use them faithfully—honoring God in all we do.
- Meaning: This version focuses on Barnabas as a model: humble, selfless, generous, and mission‑oriented. The prayer asks God for help to imitate Barnabas—putting others first, caring for the poor, and boldly sharing the Gospel.
🕊 Who was Barnabas?
- A companion and encourager of the early Church—his name means “son of encouragement.”
- He sold his land to support the poor and mission work (Acts 4:36‑37).
- He introduced Saul (Paul) to the apostles and partnered with him to establish the church in Antioch (Acts 11–13).
- Known for his generosity and boldness in mission.
Why these prayers matter today
- Spiritual Gifts & Service: The traditional collect connects Barnabas’s Spirit‑given abilities to our own need for spiritual gifts and their faithful use.
- Imitation & Mission: The contemporary collect makes Barnabas’s example accessible today—highlighting generosity, humility, and courageous missionary work.
Reflecting with the Collect
- Gratitude for spiritual gifts: Take a moment to identify gifts God has placed in your life—prayer, teaching, hospitality, etc.—and thank Him.
- Ask for grace to use them: Pray for guidance and strength to use these gifts for others’ benefit and the broader mission of the Church.
- Follow Barnabas’s example: Consider practical steps—support someone in need, share your faith gently, or encourage a friend in their walk with God.
In summary
The June 11 prayer for Saint Barnabas serves as both:
- A thanksgiving for the work of the Holy Spirit in us;
- A petition for God’s ongoing empowerment and guidance;
- And an inspiration to live sacrificially, courageously, and generously—just like Barnabas.
Let his example remind you that encouraging, giving, and going in faith are central to Christian discipleship.
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