19 April 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 19 April 2014

Morning Prayer

Psalm 30

All glory, strength and holy splendour is our Lord. The Lord is compared to a great storm, whirlwind and earthquake – all trying to convey God’s awesome presence.

Genesis 2: 1 – 3

God creates the seventh day: the day of rest.

Mark 15: 42 – 47

Joseph of Arimathea goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus’ body so that it can be buried. Pilate first checks with the Centurion that Jesus has been dead for a while. The body is released to Joseph, wrapped and placed in a tomb. Two of the women see where Jesus is buried.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Wattle Bird  Mandurah WA 2014
L Osburn   (note the red wattles on the neck) 

Almighty God your power, majesty and glory are beyond words. You came into the world as a human and died for us. Help us this day to stop and sit with this great truth and gift. Help us to reflect and take stock so that we fully appreciate your wondrous gift of grace through Jesus Christ our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saturday 19 April 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 31: 21 – 24

The psalmist blesses and praises the Lord because when there was trouble the psalmist felt separated from God, but now knows that prayers are answered. The psalmist summarises: love the Lord, be strong and take courage when you wait for God.

Micah 7: 14 – 20

Micah prays for God to take control, shepherd the people and show great miracles as in the past. Once God’s majesty is seen all nations will be humbled and recognise God’s power. He ends with awe-filled statements about the forgiveness of God and how our sins are cast away and how compassionate God is to us all.

Hebrews 4: 1 – 11

We are reminded that God promises that we will enter his rest. Clearly, that rest was not the promised land of Joshua. Those ancient people heard God’s good news but did not benefit from it. Later David says in the psalms that if we hear God’s voice not to harden our hearts – do not be disobedient.

God’s rest is when all labour ceases. A Sabbath still remains for us, for all of us united by faith. So our efforts are to be with each other “so that no one may fall” (v.11).

Collect for Evening Prayer

Grape vine with new growth.
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

Forgiving God, you have created everything and desire our wellbeing. You have promised us the deep rest of salvation in you. Help us through all the turmoil and struggles in our lives to keep our hearts open to you and to assist others to do so too, so that in unity of faith we can all come into your presence and into your marvellous rest through Jesus Christ our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.