12 April 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 12 April 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalm 114

God chooses people, establishes a nation – he is with them from the start. The seas retreat, the Jordan River gives way, mountains and hills shake – the earth recognises God’s hand. God is with them every step. Even rock turns into a spring of fresh water.

1 Corinthians 15: 19 – 26

Paul argues that if in our lives today, we have our hope in Christ, and if that’s all, then we are to be pitied. But Christ has been resurrected and has overcome death. All will be made alive in Christ.

This gives us the confidence to be Christians.

Collect for Morning Prayer

From Mt Buffalo
Vic 2015 E Byford

Gracious God you created and sustained your people through your mighty power. And now through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord you have overcome death and made us alive in you. Enable us to feel your strength, your power, your certainty today so that go into your world willing to tell how you give us life, how you sustain us,  and to praise your name through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Sunday 12 April 2015

Evening Prayer

Ezekiel 37: 1 – 14

Ezekiel has the vision of the valley of dry bones. God tells him to prophesy to the bones. Through the prophecy the bones, sinews, flesh and skin are reconstituted. Until Ezekiel prophesies to the breath they are not alive. With the breath they live and stand.

God explains the vision that this is Israel, cut off, dismembered and dried-up. They will be returned to their own soil and God’s spirit will be put in them and they will live.

Psalm 115

The psalm begins by praising God’s faithful and constant expression of love. The psalmist ridicules the idol-makers who like their idols may have the physical senses (eyes, ears, noses…) but make no use of them. God is contrasted as a sensing and active presence worthy to be trusted. The psalmist blesses those who hear the psalm.

Luke 22: 1 – 12

Passover is coming. The chief priests and scribes are looking for a way to assassinate Jesus. Satan influences Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus when there are no crowds present.

Jesus gives instructions to the disciples on how to find and organise a room for the Passover meal.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Greeting of peace
Deniliquin 2010 D Stevens

Holy and loving God you are the author of restoration. Only through you are we made whole and alive. Be with us when we feel dried up and disconnected. Show us that looking for signs and benefits in other places is worthless idol worship. Remind us that you are here with us even when there are deadly enemies and betrayers. And knowing that you are here with us we will understand it is the time to organise, to get together with others and celebrate your salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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