22 March 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 22 March 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalm 71: 15-24

This portion of the psalm is a promise. The psalmist promises to use music to proclaim God and praise God.

Galatians 3: 1 – 9

Paul challenges the Galatians. He asks did they receive the Spirit by obeying the law or by hearing of Christ and believing? If they received the spirit by hearing and believing why then tie themselves to the law: why go backwards? The law does not rely on faith.

Once anyone’s will - their faith - has been confirmed or endorsed, that is all that is needed. 

Abraham believed in God and he is counted to be righteous, this was before the law existed. And God said to Abraham that all people from all nations would be blessed through him. So, those who believe are blessed with Abraham. The law, coming so much later does not annul God’s promise.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Crimson Rosellas
Harrietville Vic 2015
L Osburn 

Wondrous God you are worthy to be praised for all the blessings you give and your eternal love. Light a spark in our faith today so that we cannot help singing and praising you with joy and awe through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Sunday 22 March     2015

Evening Prayer

Numbers 21: 4 – 9

They journey on towards the Red Sea to avoid Edom. The people complain. Deadly serpents bite the people and many die. The people repent and Moses prays. He is told to make a brass serpent, put it on a stick and anyone who is bitten may look at the brass serpent and be healed. Moses lifts up the serpent in the wilderness and the serpent’s deadly sting leaves those bitten.

Psalm 39

The psalmist is mortally ill and perceives his illness to be punishment from God. He decides to be calm and quiet in the presence of people who would bring him more grief. He asks to know how much time he has left. Humans are like passing guests, aliens. The psalmist asks for a little relief so that he can smile before he dies.

Mark 15: 21 - 41

They compel Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus’ cross. Jesus is crucified at Golgotha. They cast lots to determine who takes his clothes. The inscription on the cross is “The King of the Jews”. Two bandits are crucified, one to each side of him. People and priests mock him.

At noon darkness covers the land and at 3pm Jesus cries out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” people give him vinegar and water on a sponge. He cries out and dies. 

The curtain in the temple tears in two from top to bottom. The centurion watching says, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

The women watch: Mary Magdalene, Mary Jesus' mother and other women.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Crystal clear stream in the Karri Forest
WA 2014 L Osburn

O God who suffers for us, so that we might be forgiven and have direct access to you. We give you heartfelt thanks and praise, glory and honour. You have done it! All we can do is marvel at your love, wonder at your grace and look to you for ultimate healing, relief and refreshment through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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