New Book now Available

Here is an anthology of over 1100 brief prayers and thought-starters, for each day of the year, with almost 400 original prayers by Bruce Prewer.
Included is both a subject index and an index of authors-- an ecumenical collection of about 300 different sources.

    Title: Brief Prayers for Busy People.
        Author: Bruce D Prewer
        ISBN 978-1-62880-090-6
        Available from Australian Church Resources,
web site www.acresources.com.au
email service@acresources.com.au
        or by order from your local book shop
        or online on amazon.

Year C, ASH WEDNESDAY

Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21 (Brief Sermon: “Making and Impression?”)

2 Corinthians 5: 20b to 6:10

Joel 2: 1-2, 12-17

or Isaiah 58: 1-12

Psalm 51: 1-17

CALL TO WORSHIP

See this! Now is the opportune time!

See this! Now is the day of salvation.

We have come here today to confront evil,

to repent our part in it,

and to celebrate our liberation.

Unworthy though I am, I represent Christ:

as his ambassador I implore you:

be reconciled with your God.

PRAYER OF APPROACH

All loving and ever living God, you hate nothing you have made, and you speedily forgive the sins of those who repent. Recreate us, giving new and honest hearts, that we, sincerely repudiating our sins and facing our broken ways, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, a perfect remission and forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen!

HYMN (‘Together in Song’ 703, Martin Nystrom) “As the deer pants for the water”

PREPARATION FOR CONFESSION

The Word of God clearly says that genuine repentance commits us to costly decisions about our life style.

Reading from ISAIAH 58: 3-9

God says: My people complain to me:

We have fasted to please you, Lord,

but you have not noticed.

We have bowed low to the ground in prayer,

but you have not troubled to even look.

Tell my people this:

You fast to impress yourselves, not me,

you fast yet still oppress your employees.

You fast religiously yet remain bullies at heart,

you are verbally violent or even use your fists.

This fasting of yours is just an act,

it will never impress me.

Do you really think I care

if you make a big show of humility?

If you kow-tow to the ground

and spread sackcloth and ashes?

Do you dare call that a real fast,

and think I will find it acceptable?

Now listen to me:

This is the kind of fasting I choose:

cut the bonds of oppression,

undo the yoke of injustice,

set the oppressed free,

and break every yoke into pieces.

Share you bread with the hungry

open your doors to the homeless.

Give your coat to those who shiver,

and don’t spurn your poorer relatives.

Do this and light shall begin to dawn,

and very quickly healing shall be yours,

my righteousness shall go ahead of you,

and my glory shall follow your every step.

Then you will call out for help, and I will answer,

I will say to you, “Here I am, my child.”

( B.D.Prewer 2006)

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

My sisters and brothers, the words of the prophet Isaiah weigh us and find us wanting,

Let us “return to the Lord, our God, who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in unswerving love.” Let us pray together:

* All pray in unison the words of PSALM 51: 1-17

All: Have mercy upon me O God................................................................

FORGIVENESS

It is written:

“God did not send t he Son into the world to condemn the world, but that through him the world might be saved.” “Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds.”

In the name of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, I declare to your liberation: “Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace.”

THE GOSPEL

Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21

BRIEF SERMON: MAKING AN IMPRESSION?

“Be warned: Do not show off your religion in public places, in order to be seen by others. For that there is no reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew 6: 1

Today you will leave this sanctuary and go out into public places with the sign of ashes on your forehead. Could that be going against the warning given by Jesus?

If it is done ostentatiously, seeking to impress men and women with your religious devotion, then the answer is “yes!” If that is the case with you, take a tissue from your pocket and wipe those ashes off, for God’s sake!

BUT if you wear these ashes humbly, as a reminder to yourself of the mercy of Christ, for you a sinner, then the answer is “no!” Keep the tissue in your pocket, for God’s sake, and marked with those ashes go on your way with thanksgiving.

--------- ---------

The Bible is very harsh on those whose religion is a side show. Especially very religious types whose treatment of other people lacks respect and compassion. Unless public religious practice is backed up by deeds that reflect the justice and love of God, then such religious performance is damned. Isaiah lambasted such piety. Jesus was no less scathing.

However, in our time, I suspect that these days another danger ranks higher on the list:

Timid, surreptitious faith.

Namely, keeping our faith as a private affair. Hiding our commitment from those with whom we live and work. Not being ready to answer frankly and lovingly when people question us about our faith. Fearing ridicule. Not willing to pay the price of openly taking up our cross and following Jesus through all the challenging scenes of life.

The Lord who warned us about making a pretentious display of religion, also commanded us to “Let your light so shine before other people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Finding the pure balance between the private and public practice of our faith is not easy. Jesus never said it would be. That does not excuse a religion that cringes when in public places.

Today I offer you a penance for Lent. I ask you to wear your ashes today with both serene contentment and quiet courage, and then throughout these forty days to deny yourself the luxury of timid faith. Deny yourself the luxury of timid faith!

May your Saviour give you the grace to “love mercy, do justly, and to walk humbly with your God.”

PRAYER: A LITANY

*the sung response is by Jacques Berthier, Tiaze. ‘Together in Song ‘:730

Remember, loving God, what you have wrought in us,

and not what we deserve.