8 March 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 8 March 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalm 60

The disaster has struck. The people of the country are suffering. God has set up a banner for the faithful to rally behind. This psalm is an appeal to God to be with us in the challenges ahead. The psalm ends with “With God we shall do valiantly” (v.12).

Galatians 2: 1 – 10

Paul recalls how he with Barnabas and Titus went to Jerusalem and talked with the leaders of the church there. They checked that what they were proclaiming was on track. Paul reports that his commission to take the gospel to the Gentiles was accepted and is as valid at Peter’s commission to take the gospel to the Jews, and all those of the Mosaic tradition. Those in Jerusalem ask Paul to remember the poor. By this is meant send donations for the work with the poor in Jerusalem.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The old wall
New Norcia Benedictine Community
WA 2014 L Osburn

Almighty God of grace, from you all goodness flows. In our lives of challenge, keep us safe when we feel our defences are down, we feel rejected, are suffering or have to deal with false direction. Remind us that all powers and dominions are yours so that we humbly come to you, are blessed by you and minster to each other in love knowing that with you we will do valiantly through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Sunday 8March     2015

Evening Prayer

Jeremiah 26: 1 – 15

Jeremiah is instructed by God to go to the temple and prophesy again so that the people have an opportunity to repent, and God to change the plan. Jeremiah does so and is seized by priests and people and brought before the officials who listen. He will not recant: he is willing to die.

Psalm 119: 57 – 64

The psalmist loves the Lord and asks for grace. The commandments are kept and even when caught by wicked people he stays true to the commandments. He keeps company with other who keep God’s laws. He praises God.

Mark 14: 53 - 72

Jesus is before the high priest chief priests and others. People testify and their testimonies conflict. The high priest asks Jesus whether he is the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One. Jesus says, “I am” and adds parts of scripture. The high priest distressed, tears his clothes and names Jesus’ utterance as blasphemy. Some people spit on him, some hit him.

Meanwhile in the courtyard a servant girl recognises Peter as a disciple. Peter denies knowing Jesus. This happens twice more. The rooster calls announcing the new day. Peter remembers Jesus’ words prophesying his denials and weeps.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Dawn over Lake Mulwala NSW
2014 L Osburn

Holy and suffering Lord, you know challenge, scrutiny and abuse yet you were prepared to die for us. Help us be like Jeremiah. Forgive us our Peter moments. Stand beside us as we weep and repent and bring us to your new dawn and your new age of love and grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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