28 February 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 28 February 2016 

Morning Prayer 

Psalm 14

Fools say, “There is no God” and therefore can do anything even abominable deeds. God seeks wise people who seek God. But we are astray. Don’t those who do evil, who consume others, know that God is with the righteous? While those doing evil will confound the plans of the poor, God is their refuge.

The psalmist waits for the day when Israel is delivered, the fortunes of the people restored, and all rejoice.

Galatians 4: 12 – 20

Paul recalls that when he first came to the Galatians he was unwell but they welcomed him and treated him like a holy messenger. Now he feels devalued because he is telling them the truth and they are rejecting it.

Others are courting the Galatians. These others want them to comply with the Mosaic Law, be converted to Judaism and be celebrated. Paul wants them to be celebrated already. He feels like he has to start again with them, he wants to be with them so that he can be gentler – but he is away and his message has to come by letter.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Female King Parrot
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

 Loving and tender God you want us to be restored to you and be celebrated and celebrating. Be with us through times of confusing and challenging messages, when we struggle with disbelief and rejection of your truth. Bring us gently back to you by faithful disciples so that we can turn around, start again and rejoice through Jesus Christ our saviour and your Holy Spirit in our hearts, Amen.

Sunday 28 February 2016 

Evening Prayer

Leviticus 16: 15 – 22

This is a description of the early priestly rituals for atoning for personal sins and community sins through sacrifice and the laying of the community’s sins on a goat that was then freed into the wilderness – to escape.

Psalm 123

We lift our eyes to God seeking mercy. We ask for mercy since our souls are burdened by the contempt of the proud and scorn of those who live in ease.

Luke 22: 54 – 71

Peter is in the courtyard while Jesus is being tried. A servant girl and two men recognise him as one of the Galileans with Jesus. He denies knowing Jesus three times. The cock crows for dawn and peter weeps.

Mean while Jesus is being beaten, insulted and taunted by guards. When he comes before the assembly of the elders of the people – the chief priests and scribes – they demand he tell them that he is the Messiah. He replies that if he does they will not believe it anyway but from now on the Son of Man will be seated at God’s right hand. They ask directly, “Are you then the Son of God?”  He replies, “You say that I am”. The assembly decide that is sufficient testimony: they have heard it themselves from his lips.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Male King Parrot
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

Wonderful saviour, living Lord you are the atoning sacrifice for our sins and through your great gift of mercy you want us to let go of sins that have been forgiven. Help us let go, in trust and thanks and praise to you so that we can, forgive ourselves and others and start again afresh to do your will and build your peace in our hearts through you Lord Jesus. Amen.

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