scripture readings
textweek resources
• collect/opening prayer reflection for July 3 and the week following (NZPB)
• collect/opening prayer reflection for July 3 and the week following (Common Worship CofE)
You can share any comments as well as any resources, ideas, sermon-starters, children’s activities, hymns, prayers, etc. in the comments section below.
BCP USA (TEC):
O God,
you have taught us to keep all your commandments
by loving you and our neighbor:
Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit,
that we may be devoted to your with our whole heart,
and united to one another with pure affection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The yoke is an obvious image and metaphor to those listening to Jesus. Reciting and living the Shema was called “bearing the yoke of the kingdom of heaven/reign of God”. The Pharisees had a yoke of 613 commandments to lay on their followers. The yoke is what controls us as we make our way through life.
Introduction to the readings by Rev. Peter Carrell
Lessons and Hymns for Independence Day (USA)
