4 May 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 4 May 2014 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 124

This psalm encourages Israel to say, “If it had not been for the Lord who was on our side” (vs 1 & 2) and then lists what might have happened. Israel blesses the Lord and acknowledges God as the source of help.

Revelation 20: 4 – 6

The writer has a vision of thrones for those who may judge humans. The people placed in the thrones are martyrs. This is the first resurrection. They are priests of God and Christ and reign 1000 years on earth.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The Empty Chair
Di's Garden Mandurah WA
2014  L Osburn

 Holy Lord you have always been on our side. Thank you for your holy women and men of every age who lived their lives with you and died because of their faith. Without them, their sacrifice and example, your international community of the faithful would not be as it is today. May we continue to look to these martyrs, compare our faith to theirs, be encouraged for your eternal glory through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sunday 4 May 2014

Evening Prayer

Isaiah 42: 6 – 16

Isaiah declares the greatness of God who calls us to righteousness, keeps us safe and gives us all the task of being “a light to the nations” (v.6). We are to sing praises. The whole of creation sings praise. God leads the blind out of darkness into light and turns rough places into easier ones.

Psalm 3

Difficult people beset the psalmist but God is the shield and protection. God sustains and encourages and deliverance is God’s.

Revelation 5

This is a vision of a sealed scroll being held by God and the question, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seal?” (v.2). The vision shows a slain lamb, the Christ. All the heavenly hosts sing glorious praise and elders fall down and worship.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Pink Frangipani
Di's Garden Mandurah WA 2014
L Osburn

Holy and almighty God, you transform us from what we are into people who sing your praise and bring your light to the world. You sustain us. You encourage us. You deliver us from harm. Most of all you give us Jesus Christ your Son or Lord, slain for us and for the salvation of all. How can we cease from singing?  Be with us in our hearts, our minds, our moments and our days to keep singing and worshipping so that your glory can be fully felt throughout the earth through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts now and forever. Amen. 

Christ before Pilate
New Norcia Benedictine Community WA 2014 L Osburn