Friday 27th March | Bishop Mark Tanner
Readings
Reflection
There are times when it is really tough to be a Christian; sometimes it is hard enough just to be human. How can God allow me/us/them to be in that kind of situation? How do I stay sane, let alone, loving, kind, faithful? And where is God anyway?
We don’t know how people are feeling at the moment. Indeed, often I don’t know how I will be feeling in an hour’s time. Worry, frustration, uncertainty are all exacerbated by being shut off from things… but we are not shut off from God.
This is why the writer to the Hebrews encourages Christians then, and us now, not to ‘abandon that confidence of yours…’ for it brings a great reward, and it is always held secure in Christ. God doesn’t change, and just as He was faithful to Moses and Aaron, so He is faithful today… and if you are anything like me, a little voice inside will agree with that, but suggest that we are not very good at keeping true to it… and even worse at sharing it with others. Do you notice how Moses thought this? How he feared he was not very good at talking? How no one would listen to Him. The truth is that God’s goodness – His peace, His joy, His hope – it doesn’t depend on you, or me. God is good because He is good. And He is faithful… like really, really faithful. Like so faithful that our most faithful moment looks like a passing fancy. Which means you can inhabit and share this hope with confidence today. Who are you praying for? Who are you going to message or call to encourage? Now is the time to go deeper… God is waiting faithfully.
Prayers
Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me on the day of my distress. Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily on the day when I call.
We pray for all who are lonely, frightened, or lost in darkness today, and especially for all who call out for your love, Good Lord. Hear my prayer, O Lord and let my cry come to you. Amen
For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. My heart is stricken and withered like grass;I am too wasted to eat my bread. Because of my loud groaning my bones cling to my skin.
We pray for all who are serve our communities at our points of greatest need, for medics, social workers, and emergency services, and for the countless quiet acts of caring service offered today. Hear my prayer, O Lord and let my cry come to you. Amen.
But you, O Lord, are enthroned for ever; your name endures to all generations. You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to favour it; the appointed time has come.
Lord use this time when life is so different to draw me deeper into Your love and further into Your kingdom, that my heart may be undivided in Your service. Hear my prayer, O Lord and let my cry come to you. Amen.
The nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory. For the Lord will build up Zion; he will appear in his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and will not despise their prayer.
We pray for the nations of the world, for all affected by disease and for those specifically on our hearts; naming before you… [name people here]. Hear my prayer, O Lord and let my cry come to you. Amen.
Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you endure; they will all wear out like a garment. You change them like clothing, and they pass away; but you are the same, and your years have no end. The children of your servants shall live secure; their offspring shall be established in your presence.
And finally, we pray for ourselves and all who our brothers and sisters around the world, for Bishop Christine and all who minister the grace, hope, peace, and good news of Jesus.
Hear my prayer, O Lord and let my cry come to you. Amen.
Collect
Merciful Lord,
Absolve your people from their offenses,
That through your bountiful goodness
We may all be delivered from the chains of those sins
Which by our frailty we have committed;
Grant this, heavenly Father,
For Jesus Christ’s sake, our blessed Lord and Saviour,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and forever.
Amen.
