15 April  2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 15 April 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 104: 1 – 25

Great hymn to the creator: clouds, sea, mountains, water, grass, creatures, wine… the list goes on.  In wisdom God has made it all.

Leviticus 26: 3 – 20

The consequences for following God’s commandments are spelt out: there will be good results from labour, strong defence of the community, adequate food, the presence of God and the absence of oppression.

The consequences of not God’s commandments are:  terror, fever that brings blindness, wasting disease, no outcome for labour, separation from God, no defence against enemies, oppression and fear.

John 10: 19 – 30

Dispute rages in the community – is Christ mad, is he a demon, is he holy? In winter in the temple he is asked directly to say whether he is the Messiah. His answer is, I have told you and you don’t believe: my works give evidence that I am God’s. He explains that they don’t believe because they are not his sheep – they are following someone else. Jesus’ followers will have eternal life and will be safe with God eternally. He says, “The Father and I are one” (v.20).

Collect for Morning Prayer

Transformation of the dogwood tree
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

 Almighty God compassionate Lord, you desire the best for us. You have given us your commandments. You have come to dwell with us and to give us a pathway to restoration and redemption. Be with us today, in your wisdom guide us, and keep us safe from all temptation. Help us make the moment-by-moment choices and decisions that will show that we love you and are committed to do your will through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday 15 April 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 104: 26 – 37

This part of the psalm reinforces that all things natural and human-made rely on the mercy of God for their existence and sustenance.

Exodus 23: 4 – 17

Some more commandments are listed here. If something that belongs to our enemy is lost or in trouble we should help, and not delay. We must uphold justice for all and not convict the innocent or people who are in the right. We must not oppress resident aliens. We will have a sabbatical year (every 7) and a Sabbath day. Three times a year we will have a festival to God and one will be a harvest festival.

1 Corinthians 2: 12 – 3: 4

Paul says that those who receive the Holy Spirit understand God’s gift and purpose for their lives. He is talking about a spiritual wisdom not earthly wisdom. Those who do not have the Holy Spirit cannot understand and think the gifts of God are foolish. They are not concerned with accountability to God. Only through Christ can we know the mind of God, no human can do it alone.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Transformation of a main street
Harrietville Vic  2016

Holy God, your mercy and care for us are beyond comprehension. Through your Holy Spirit in our hearts, guide us to your grace. Keep us following your instructions, made for the safety of our essential being so that we are the people who respect and honour you and so that we are the people who praise and glorify you forever through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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