20 April 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 20 April 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalms 114 and 115

First, the psalmist recalls the exodus and crossing of the sea and the Jordan: that the natural world moved and changed to suit God’s purpose. The second psalm starts praising God for 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 the hearer of the psalm.

Exodus 19: 1 – 15

Moses and the people arrive at Sinai. Moses goes up the mountain and God instructs that the people are to get ready, wash their clothes and not go near the mountain.

John 9: 1 – 12

Jesus and the disciples encounter a blind man. The disciples ask whether the man is blind because of sins by his parents or his own sins. Jesus says, neither, but that he is blind so that Jesus could do what he is sent to do. This is possible while Jesus is with us but there will be a time when such healing is not possible. Community members test and question the previously blind man about his identity and how the healing occurred.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Garden reflected
Di's Garden Mandurah WA 2014
L Osburn

Practical God, you move the earth, give us instructions for building faith-filled communities, heal us and give us purpose in our lives. Keep us open to you so that you may work in this world with us and through us to bring your peace, love and compassion to all through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Monday 20 April 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 116 and 117

The first psalm gives thanks to God for healing. Even when he is profoundly depressed the psalmist trusts in God. The second psalm is a global call to praise God.

Joshua 6: 22 – 7: 12

Joshua instructs the two men who had spied out the land to retrieve Rahab and her family from Jericho. They do so, get them to safety and she and her family live with the people forever.

Some people disobey Joshua’s instructions and take devoted things (for worshipping other gods) from the city and hide them in the camp.

Joshua sends spies to Ai. They report the town’s defences and estimate the size of the force needed to take the town. They fail with more than thirty casualties. Joshua mourns and cries to God about the implications of this loss. God tells Joshua to get up. The defeat is caused by Israel’s faithlessness and says they will be without God’s support until they are rid of the stolen devoted things in the camp.

1 Corinthians 1: 1 – 9

Paul greets and blesses the Christians in Corinth. He gives thanks for the people’s knowledge and eloquence – their strengths. He states that God will strengthen them and be faithful to the end.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Reflection Chair
Di's Garden Mandurah WA 2014
L Osburn

Praise to you our God; you are the source of kindness and truth forever. Be with us as we reflect on our day. Help us to see where you healed, where you strengthened and where you aided us to keep our promises and our word so that we, loving you, set aside all other desires and faithfully work to your purpose and glory all our days through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please leave a comment or feedback.