25 February 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Morning Prayer

Psalm 135

This psalm is a song of praise and thanksgiving to God. Calls upon the priestly tribes of Israel to praise the Lord.

Jeremiah 44: 15 – 30

The Jewish people in Egypt say they are going to continue worshipping a foreign God. They cite that things are better for them. Jeremiah lets them know that the disaster they have experienced was because of worshipping other Gods. The people are warned, given a choice. They choose the other God and Jeremiah foretells that the pharaoh will die at the hands of his enemies and the Jewish people in Egypt will perish.

Luke 7: 36 – 50

Jesus is invited by a Pharisee home to dinner. While he is there a women washes Jesus’ feet with her tears, dries them with her hair and uses precious ointment on them. Simon the Pharisee questions Jesus’ status as a prophet. Jesus is here to forgive and those who need it most are most loving, those who need it least find it hard to tap that well of love.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Path Mandurah Estuary WA 2014
L Osburn

Merciful and loving God you accept us and welcome us when we truly repent, you forgive us, and you heal us. Help us to see the value in all people and especially in those who need you most so that we too carry forward your compassion and generosity and bring the Kingdom closer through Jesus Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 136

This psalm proclaims God’s greatness enduring love. There is a sense of the overwhelming, overflowing, generosity of God.

Genesis 31: 22 – 42

Laban chases Jacob, overtakes him and surrounds him. But he has a dream where he is told not to say anything to Jacob, good or bad. Laban questions Jacob and accuses him of stealing the household Gods. Jacob is not aware that Rachel had done it, so willingly allows Laban to search and to kill whoever has stolen them. Rachel hides them. Laban does not find them and Jacob begins his complaint against Laban’s treatment of him and provides evidence of God’s protection of him.

2 Timothy 1: 15 – 2: 14

This passage is all about the challenges of ministry – that like Onesiphorus we seek and find the imprisoned evangelist, feed and support them – not just with meals. Like a soldier we are to show disciplined endurance and not split our allegiance between ministry and other activities. Like an athlete we need to abide by the rules and train. Like a farmer we need to be industrious, constant and patient. Ministry is demanding work.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Eyre Peninsula SA 2014 L Osburn

Loving God you send us into the field, into many environments. The work is sometimes long and hard with few personal rewards, except knowing we do your work. We know that you are always with us and love us deeply and generously. Help us feel your presence every day through Jesus Christ and your Holy Spirit. Amen.