5 April 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 5 April 2014

Morning Prayer

Psalms 82 and 84

The first psalm sets a scene of God judging all the other Gods. They lack knowledge or compassion. They will be destroyed. The psalmist petitions God alone to judge the earth.

A day living in the presence of God is better than anything imaginable. A day on to journey to God’s dwelling place is filled with refreshment: “they go from strength to strength” (v. 7).

Jeremiah 39

The Chaldean army breaches the city walls. Many are killed. The city burns. Zedekiah escapes, is pursued, his sons are killed; he is tortured and taken to Babylon. Jeremiah is given the choice to stay with the newly appointed governor of Judah or be an exile too. He stays. Some of the poor stay and are given land to farm. The Ethiopian who spoke up for Jeremiah is saved.

Luke 19: 28 – 48

Jesus sends two of the disciples to get a colt from a village. Jesus rides on the colt from the Mount of Olives to the Temple in Jerusalem. People shout blessing and peace. Some Pharisees ask Jesus to instruct the people to be quiet and Jesus says that if he did “even the stones would shout out” (v.40). As Jesus approaches Jerusalem he weeps over the city for its blindness to the way of peace. He prophesies the destruction of the city. He enters the temple and drives out people who are selling things. He teaches in the temple. The people are attentive to his words.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Morning at the River, near Sue's Bridge
WA 2014 L Osburn

Almighty God you love us, and you weep for us. You want us to be on the path to you, refreshed and with our eyes open to the way of peace. Be with us this day as we prepare to celebrate your entry to Jerusalem on your way to make it possible for all of us to come confidently into your presence through Jesus Christ our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saturday 5 April 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 85 and 87

The first psalm reminds us all of God’s forgiveness and historical evidence of restoring people of faith. The psalmist asks for quiet to listen to God who will speak peace to the faithful and give salvation. “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other” (v.10).

The second psalm is of praise for Zion, the mother city of believers everywhere. It is the basis for the hymn “Glorious things of you are spoken, Zion city of our God.”

Exodus 6: 2 – 13 and 6: 28 – 7: 7

God tells Moses to let the Israelites know they will be freed. Moses does but the people cannot hear because they are too oppressed and dispirited. God tells Moses to go back to Pharaoh. Moses counters with –  the people won’t listen, Pharaoh won’t listen either. God agrees that Pharaoh will not listen and that means God will show his power so that all will believe and the Israelites will be freed. Moses and Aaron do as the Lord commands.

Hebrews 13: 18 – 25

The writer asks the people for their prayers. Blesses them beautifully and compassionately. They are asked to pay attention to what is written. He ends with greeting to others and grace.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Water in an agricultural water tank.
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

Loving and compassionate God, your steadfast love and peace is beyond description. Help us even briefly to feel that wondrous love and peace as we contemplate our journey to your home. May we too be complete in everything good so that we do your will and please you, through Jesus Christ to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.                           [Adapted from Hebrews 13: 20 – 21]