28 April 2015

28 April 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 28 April 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalms 143 and 146

The psalmist is in hiding in a cave and sounds depressed yet, is still reaching out to God; is still trusting and obedient. “Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning for in you I put my trust” (v.8).

 The next psalm is one of praise to God who is trustworthy – more than princes: more than mortals. Our God sets prisoners free and cares for orphans and widows.

Exodus 25: 1 – 22

These are the instructions for the building of the tent tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant with the mercy seat and the cherubim that frame the seat and the furnishings.

John 11: 17 – 37

Jesus arrives at Bethany. Martha runs out to meet him and says if Jesus had been there Lazarus would not have died and that she believed that God would still do what Jesus asks. Jesus says that Lazarus will rise again. Martha states her belief that in the resurrection in the end times, Lazarus will rise again. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and anyone who believes in me shall never die” (v.25). Martha confirms her belief and says to Jesus that he is the Messiah. Martha goes to get Mary, who goes quickly to Jesus and kneels at his feet; she is weeping and those around her are too. Jesus weeps.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Small cave
The Pinnacles Broken Hill NSW
2015 L Osburn

Faithful God, you keep your promises always and show us mercy and compassion beyond measure: you weep with us. In caves, in the darkness of our fear and depression we reach out to you and you come with resurrection. Be with us in the dark times of this day and like the cherubim turn our faces to you so that we may feel your deep abiding and eternal love through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday 28 April 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 119: 153 – 176

This portion of the psalm is a plea for preservation of life from someone who is devout “my soul keeps your decrees” and who admits going astray.

Joshua 21: 41 – 22: 12

God kept all the promises made to the Israelites. The land, towns and pastures are now theirs. Joshua calls some of the leaders of the tribes, acknowledges their faithfulness, instructs them to continue to be faithful to God and sends them out to their area of the land. Some of the land is west of the Jordan and some in the east and south. The departing tribes set up an altar in Canaan close to the river. When the Israelites hear they gather in Shiloh and prepare to make war on those who built the altar.

1 Corinthians 4: 6 – 21

Paul reminds the Corinthians that anything they have, they have by grace and therefore should not boast. They are indeed blessed. The Apostles are seen to be fools, and rubbish, poorly clothed, held in disrepute and beaten. And when this happens the apostles bless people and speak kindly. They support themselves with work.

The Corinthians have none of these demands. Paul appeals to them to be gentle with each other. He sends Timothy to them to support them and hopes that when he arrives he will see people of humility and power, not people who are proud or arrogant.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Australian bushes "kangaroo tails"
Armadale WA L Osburn 2015

Holy Lord you see our hearts and souls. You know whose hearts keep your decrees. This night help us reflect on the times today we blessed and spoke kindly to others even when we and our actions were not valued or understood so that we may give you thanks and humbly call on you your grace and your power all our days through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please leave a comment or feedback.