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The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind:
As we rejoice in the gift of this day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever.
Amen.
Old Testament Reading - Elijah taken up into heaven
1-2Now the time came for the Lord to take Elijah to heaven — by means of a whirlwind! Elijah said to Elisha as they left Gilgal, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Bethel.”
But Elisha replied, “I swear to God that I won’t leave you!”
So they went on together to Bethel. 3There the young prophets of Bethel Seminary came out to meet them and asked Elisha, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take Elijah away from you today?”
“Quiet!” Elisha snapped. “Of course I know it.”
4Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here in Bethel, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.”
But Elisha replied again, “I swear to God that I won’t leave you.” So they went on together to Jericho.
5Then the students at Jericho Seminary came to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take away your master today?”
“Will you please be quiet?” he commanded. “Of course I know it!”
6-7Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan River.”
But Elisha replied as before, “I swear to God that I won’t leave you.”
So they went on together and stood beside the Jordan River as fifty of the young prophets watched from a distance. 8Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it; and the river divided and they went across on dry ground!
9When they arrived on the other side Elijah said to Elisha, “What wish shall I grant you before I am taken away?”
And Elisha replied, “Please grant me twice as much prophetic power as you have had.”
10“You have asked a hard thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.”
11As they were walking along, talking, suddenly a chariot of fire, drawn by horses of fire, appeared and drove between them, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven.
12Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariot of Israel and the charioteers!”
As they disappeared from sight he tore his robe.
. . . . . 2 Kings 2:1-12Intercession
Please remember our Prayer Requests
One thing we ask of you, O Lord, one thing we seek:
that we may dwell in your house all the days of our life.
Lord, have mercy. E te Ariki, kia aroha mai.
Let your loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us,
as we have put our trust in you.
Christ, have mercy. E te Karaiti, kia aroha mai.
Rise up and help us, O God our Saviour,
and save us for the sake of your steadfast love.
Lord, have mercy. E te Ariki, kia aroha mai.
Ride on and conquer in the cause of truth,
and for the sake of justice.
Christ, have mercy. E te Karaiti, kia aroha mai.
Let the heavens declare the rightness of your cause,
and may your praises reach to the world’s end.
Lord, have mercy. E te Ariki, kia aroha mai.
Amen.
