13 February 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings

Thursday  13 February 2014

Morning Prayer

Psalms 101; 102: 1-11

The first psalm is a statement of commitment to justice and to work hard to live a righteous life. The portion of the second psalm is a lament. The psalmist is unwell and in great pain unable to eat or sleep and tormented by others who suggest God has deserted him.

Jeremiah 18:12-23

Jeremiah condemns Judah for being turning her back on God. It is to him as unnatural as snow not clinging to a mountain. It is cause for ridicule. But then a plot emerges against Jeremiah and he, who has defended the people in the past, now prays for them to be mercilessly punished.

Luke 5:1-11

Jesus was teaching people from a boat. He asks Simon to take the boat out into deeper water and put in the nets. Simon has been fishing all night without success but does as instructed. The catch is huge, too big for one boat. Simon recognises Christ’s divinity and confesses his sinfulness. Here begins the discipleship of “fishing for people”.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Sculpture of fisherman
 Fremantle Harbour WA
L Osburn 2014

Dearest Lord Jesus, you know that life is not easy. You know that we experience disappointment, failure, illness and that it is easy to ridicule, become confused, feel abandoned or seek revenge. But you are the one who shows us ultimate grace and mercy. You gave your life for us; you are abundantly generous in your love for us. Help us to remember you and to come to you humbly on our knees so that we may experience your exquisite grace. Amen.

Evening prayer

Psalm 102: 12-28

This second portion of the psalm turns from lament into a hymn of prayer and praise to God. God will look after us; hears our prayers and is eternal.

Genesis 25:5-11, 19-34

 The story of the end of Abraham’s life and the birth of Rebekah and Isaac’s twins Esau and Jacob. Esau sold his right to lead the family and a double share of the inheritance to Jacob for a pot of stew.

1 Timothy 1:1-11

Paul urges Timothy to not get caught up in technicalities but to build the people’s capacity for love from pure hearts, good conscience and sincere faith.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Wherever we live and work:
Hauling heavy mining machinery across the Nullabor
2014 L Osburn

Dearest Lord you have given us so much love and care. Help us to value our inheritance for you and your eternal love. Create in us pure hearts, clear consciences and deep faith so that we may live and work to your praise and glory. We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord and redeemer. Amen.