6 March 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 6 March 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 124

This psalm encourages Israel to say, “If it had not been for the Lord who was on our side” (vs 1 & 2) and then lists what might have happened. Israel blesses the Lord and acknowledges God as the source of help.

Galatians 4: 21 – 28

Paul uses the scripture story of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar to clarify the position of the Christians from other nations. Hagar, a slave had a son born to slavery – although he was Abraham’s son the Law would always bind him. Sarah, the free woman, the childless one, has a child by the spirit of God. That child is the one on which the future is built.

Hagar’s son persecuted Sarah’s son. Just like the church of the Law at the time persecuted Christians. So, Paul argues the Christians are the new inheritors of the promise with the child of the free woman.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The bridge
Gladstone Qld  L Osburn

 Wonderful and loving God you are the source of all our help and you have made us the inheritors of your great promise. When we are pulled and prodded by “should and oughts”, when we are bound by laws and dogma bring us back to you, to be still and be with you. Enable your Holy Spirit to freely work in us so that we might step out, even in the face of persecution and build the future you want through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Sunday 6 March 2016

Evening Prayer

Genesis 22: 1 – 14

Abraham takes his only loved son to be sacrificed to the Lord. An angel stays his hand. God instead provides a ram for the sacrifice. Abraham calls the place “the Lord will provide”.

Psalm 125

Those who trust in God shall never be moved. God will surround and support us. The psalmist prays for blessing on the faithful and that evil be kept away from us.

Luke 23: 1 – 25

The elders, chief priests and scribes bring Jesus to Pilate and claim Jesus said things, which he had not. Pilate questions Jesus and finds no case. He discovers that Jesus is from Galilee so sends Jesus to Herod since Herod has jurisdiction over Galilee. Herod is pleased to see Jesus. He wants to see some sign. Jesus does not respond to Herod but stays silent. Herod and his soldiers show contempt and dress Jesus in an elegant robe. They return Jesus to Pilate. Herod and Pilate, once enemies now become friends over this incident.

Pilate calls the elders, chief priests, scribes and the people. He finds there is no evidence against Jesus from his view and from Herod. His judgement is to flog and release Jesus. In Pilate’s assessment, Jesus had done nothing to deserve death. Those present cry for Barabbas (a man guilty of murder and insurrection) to be released and for Jesus to be crucified. Three times Pilate challenges them on this. The crowd demands Christ’s crucifixion. Pilate releases Barabbas and hands Jesus over.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Rose
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

Holy and gracious God you provide the sacrifice and you remind us that when evil comes near our only defence is you. Help us always to trust in you above and beyond all the laws and dogma established by humans so that when evil comes near we call on you, trust in you, and remember that in your trust we can never be moved through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Please leave a comment or feedback.