11 April 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 11 April 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalm 136: 1 – 12

This is a great song of praise to the God of gods, who produced such wonders as the heavens, the earth, the water, the sun, moon and stars. The psalm praises our God who rescued Israel from Egypt and divided the sea so they were safe.

Give thanks to the Lord for his steadfast and enduring love.

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Exodus 14: 15 – 30

God tells Moses to lift his staff, the water recedes and the people walk across. The pillar of cloud is between the people and the Egyptians. The people cross, the Egyptians follow but their wheels are bogged in the sand so their progress is slow. Once safe to the other side Moses raises his staff again and the waters return. The Israelites are protected from the Egyptian’s pursuit. The people believe in God and in Moses, God’s servant.

Mark 16: 9 – 20

This is a summary of Jesus’s actions after the resurrection. First he appears to Mary Magdalene who reports to the disciples and is not believed, then to two people walking in the country who also reported and they are not believed. He appears to the disciples and expresses his concerns that they have so little faith and are so stubborn. They are commissioned to go into the world and told that those who believe will be given gifts of languages, healing etc. Then he is taken up into heaven to sit at the right hand of God. The disciples go out and began to spread the good news assisted by Christ through the signs they show.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Reluctant Kangaroo
Silverton NSW 2015 L Osburn

 Holy, compassionate and loving God, as if the whole of creation is not enough evidence, or the parting of the waters to free the Hebrews, or the resurrection – still we of stubborn hearts ask for “a sign”. Help us today to step out in faith and hope and love knowing you are there with and for us so that we may get on with the job of bringing your Kingdom to all through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Emus - stepping out!
Silverton NSW 2015 L Osburn

Saturday 11 April 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 136: 13 – 26

We continue with great psalm of praise to God and his steadfast and enduring love. Our God led the people through the wilderness, brought them to the Promised Land, assisted them be able to settle and helped them against kings. God remembers us even through we are lowly, rescues and feeds us. His steadfast love endures forever.

Isaiah 54: 1– 10

Israel, like an abandoned wife who has no children, will be restored and her children will be many. God’s everlasting and compassionate love restores us all. The barren and desolate will burst into song.

1 Peter 2: 18 – 25

As Christians we are charged to respect our employers even if they are harsh and unjust. This is a witness of our faith. When Christ was abused he did not return abuse. When he suffered he did not retaliate with threats. We can deal firmly and respectfully and non-violently. We are to respond, with respect. Above all we are to guard our souls.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Ruins
Silverton NSW 2015 L Osburn

Lord of the model and example, your steadfast love not only endures forever but loves in the face of physical and verbal, and psychological abuse. You promise rescue, restoration, and songs of praise. Be with us now, especially where we are experiencing oppressive violence. Give us courage to stand firm, not retaliate and deal firmly and respectfully firstly with ourselves and with those who are oppressing so that we may gain your freedom and always guard our souls through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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