20 February 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 20 February 2014

Morning Prayer

Psalms 114 and 115

First, the psalmist recalls the exodus and crossing of the sea and the Jordan: that the natural world moved and changed to suit God’s purpose. The second psalm starts praising God for faithful and constant expression of love. The psalmist ridicules the idol-makers who like their idols may have the physical senses (eyes, ears, noses… ) but make no use of them. God is contrasted as a sensing and active presence worthy to be trusted. The psalmist blesses the hearer of the psalm.

Proverbs 30: 15 – 28

These proverbs read like a riddle: things that are never satisfied, things that are too wonderful, things that are earth shaking, things that are small but wise.

Luke 6: 39 – 49

Jesus asks some key questions; can the blind lead the blind, is a student above the teacher? No but when they are qualified they are counted as equal.

Jesus then challenges us to be self-aware and obedient.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Children Cape Le Grand WA 2014
L Osburn

Magnificent God, we are overwhelmed when we consider your power and grace. We thank you for the mystery of our lives, that we have the capacity to think, move and use our senses. Help us to use all our abilities to your glory and to your service. We humbly ask this through Jesus Christ our redeemer and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen 

Thursday 20 February 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 116 and 117

The first psalm gives thanks to God for healing. Even when he is profoundly depressed the psalmist trusts in God. The second psalm is a global call to praise God.

Genesis 29: 1 – 30

Jacob arrives in Haran, meets his uncle’s shepherds and Laban’s daughter, Rachel. Jacob works for Laban and his payment is the right to marry Laban’s daughter. At the wedding Laban’s eldest daughter was substituted for Rachel. Jacob worked another set of years to marry Rachel.

1 Timothy 5: 17 – 6: 2b

Paul continues his mentoring of Timothy on conduct of church members. Elders who are teaching and preaching need to be listened to; there needs to be two witnesses when there is a complaint against an elder; people who persist in sin are to be rebuked in the presence of the community; don’t ordain anyone hastily; don’t sin; have some wine; people’s behaviours will be revealed – good or bad and, slaves are to respect their masters and not claim special privileges if the master is Christian.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Bridge Foundations Mandurah WA 2014
L Osburn

Loving God you are faithful and you know that the right outcome takes time. You know the challenges we experience day to day in our lives and the demands of proper administration and care of your church. You send us teachers and leaders to guide us. Help us to be faithful, to be patient, to be gentle, respectful and strong for the glory of your kingdom through Jesus our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen