Lectionary Template

23 February 2025

Bible readings for today

Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Psalms 37:1-11, 39-40
1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50
Luke 6:27-38

Liturgical colour: GREEN

Collect

E Īhu, tukua mai te aroha ngohengohe,
e kore nei e ngaro
te īnoi nei mō te murunga hara mai i ōna kaiwhakamate,
me te hōmai i te tūmanako ki te whānako i runga i te rīpeka.
Meinga mātou kia aroha pono i te uaua o te ara
me te māhaki ki a rātou e whakahē ana i a mātou;
mō te korōria o tōu ingoa tapu.
Āmine.

Grant us Jesus, that tender, indestructible love
which asks forgiveness of its executioners
and gives hope to the thief on the cross.
Keep us compassionate when the way is hard,
and gentle with those who oppose us;
for the glory of your holy name.
Amen.

Loving Your Enemies (Luke 6:27-38)

How we can love others the way that God loves us?

World Day of Prayer

Local women’s groups have been learning about Slovenia in preparation for the World Day of Prayer, which will be held on Friday, 1 March throughout the country.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the World Day of Prayer was first marked in 1931. It is celebrated in more than 170 countries. A Christchurch based national committee adapts the international resources for New Zealand churches. Local services have been organised by a dedicated group of volunteers who incorporate this global vision into their year’s work. The World Day of Prayer Committee encourages people to share the resources in ordinary worship.
“Each year a different country takes time to prepare the service incorporating women’s stories. It is an opportunity to connect with people around the globe,” says Pauline McKay, National Chairperson.

This year’s worship resources have been written by women in Slovenia, one of the smallest countries in Europe. At the core of the service is an invitation to join in community, “Come –Everything is Ready”. The focal point is a table set with food to share. Readers will tell stories from women on the edge of Slovenian society: refugees, migrant workers, mothers, and Roma.
There are also Children's Service resources

Visio Lectio

Extra collect

God of welcome,
we encounter you in those different from us;
enlarge the tent of our lives
to embrace both friend and foe,
so that we grow to be more like you;
through Jesus Christ our Liberator, who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.