1 May 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 1 May 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 112

This is a proclamation that the righteous and faithful, who give generously and stand firm against fear and opposition, will receive good things and good reputations.

John 11: 38 – 44

Jesus demands that Lazarus’s tomb be opened. Martha tried to dissuade him because of the stench. Jesus replied that the Glory of God is the purpose of his actions. He prays aloud so others know that he expects God will listen (it is God doing what will happen). He calls Lazarus. Lazarus comes out, he instructs everyone to unwrap him and let him go.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Two willy-wagtails
Edwards River Deniliquin NSW  L Osburn

Holy and mysterious Lord you are the one who resurrects us even from death and instructs that we be freed. When we are confronted by the anger of the wicked; when what we need from you is extra and difficult – to our sensitivities – help us to revere you, to keep your commandments, to continue to be generous and gracious and unafraid knowing that you always listen to our prayers so that at your presence the wicked will melt away through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

May we all this day pray for Aleppo, Syria and her people.

Sunday 1 May 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 2

This is a rhetorical psalm asking why some people think they can break the bond between God and his anointed one (messiah). The psalmist thinks it is laughable. God is all-powerful and the anointed one is his begotten son. God’s power could be used to punish and correct. Let humans be warned to respect God. Those that take refuge in the Lord will be happy.

Acts 12: 20 – 13: 5 

Herod Agrippa is unhappy with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They seek reconciliation. On the day it is to be ratified Herod is robed and on his platform and the people praise him as if he is a god. Immediately he dies.

Christianity grows and Barnabas and Saul return to Jerusalem and bring with them John (aka Mark).

In Antioch, a group of Christians gather. The Holy Spirit says to the group to send Barnabas and Saul (who is now Paul) out as a mission. They travel to a few places then come to Cyprus, arrive in Salamis and proclaim the word of God in the synagogues. John assists them.

Revelation 3: 14 – 22

John is to write to the church in Laodicea. Jesus knows their works and they are lukewarm. Jesus prefers them to be either cold or hot. Because they are lukewarm they are about to be rejected by Jesus. The people say, “I am rich, I have prospered, I need nothing” (v.17). Really they are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked. Jesus wants them to repent and spend their resources on that. Jesus is standing at their door knocking. Will they let Jesus in to eat and drink with them? If they conquer, they will have a place with Christ in God’s kingdom.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Tiny bird
Sanctuary Island Deniliquin NSW
L Osburn

Holy and almighty God listening to your word leads to conquering sin, accepting the refuge you provide and being part of your kingdom. In your compassion you stand right now at our door knocking. You see our wretched and pitiable state. Help us to accept and appreciate that sometimes you do correct us and to respond in humility. Enliven us to us open the doors of our heart, welcome you in and be ready to embark on the mission your Holy Spirit will set through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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