8 April 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 8 April 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 89: 1 – 18

This section of the psalm praises God for faithfulness and steadfastness in all generations, for the creation of the earth and the victory over chaos. Happy are the people who sing praises and walk in God’s pathway.

Leviticus 19: 1 – 18

This is a set of ethical behaviours and the source of the injunction to love your neighbour. To be able to follow these first we are required to understand that we are holy just as God is holy – all of us.

The behaviours are: revere your parents, keep the Sabbath, reject idolatry, if you are going to sacrifice do it properly, don’t eat sacrificed meat after the second day, leave some of your produce available for the poor and aliens, don’t steal, mislead or lie, don’t make contracts in God’s name then break them, don’t defraud anyone, pay workers on the day they do their work, treat deaf and blind with respect, be impartial in delivering justice, no slandering, no profiting from harm to others, don’t hate anyone- correct them – then do not hold a grudge and  “you shall love your neighbour as yourself” (v.17).

Luke 24: 28 – 35

Two of the disciples are walking on the road to Emmaus They pressure the stranger to stay and eat with them. At dinner, at the breaking of the bread they recognise Jesus – then he is gone. They immediately go back to Jerusalem. They hear Peter’s report and tell their own experience.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The road up
From the top of Tawonga Gap Rd
Tawonga Vic  L Osburn

Loving creator God, you remind us through scripture of what we need to do stay on the right path: to be willing to examine our understanding of our behaviours, and ourselves and to be open to teaching and learning. Give us your grace and courage to take the first step – knowing that we too are holy just as you are holy – so that we have a firm base on which to build our behaviours, walk in the path you set and bring glory and praise to you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday 8 April 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 89: 19 – 38

This section of the psalm states the unalterable covenant with David and his line forever even if the children violate God’s laws, the relationship with David will continue.

Exodus 17: 8 – 18: 9

The Amaleks a tribe from the desert, who claimed ownership, attack the Israelites at Rephidim. Joshua and his choice of men go out to fight. Moses watches from a hill and when he raises his staff the Israelites prevail and when he lowers it the Amaleks prevail. So Aaron and Hur hold Moses’ arms up until sunset and the battle is over.

Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro arrives with Moses’ wife and his two sons. Jethro hears all the stories of God’s deliverance and help. Jethro, a high priest, rejoices an all the things God is doing for Israel.

1 Peter 4: 12 – 19

Trials and difficulties are the lot of the Christian. We are not to engage in criminal behaviour or even being a mischief-maker (busy-body). But if we suffer for being a Christian we are to hold firm and behave well. The scriptures tell us that the righteous will be judged first so, make sure we are in order. If we are suffering for doing God’s will, entrust ourselves to our faithful creator and keep doing good.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Into the Kiewa Valley
From Tawonga Gap Rd
Tawonga Vic  L Osburn

Compassionate and loving God you made us and love us. When we reflect on today help us to honestly come before you, to repent those things which we could have done better, or not done, celebrate your grace, recognise when others fought for us or helped us and acknowledge what you have done for us so that we can sleep in the assurance of your care and rise tomorrow refreshed to do your will through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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