11 March 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Morning Prayer

Psalms 28 and 29

In the first psalm, the there is an appeal to not be like people who don’t believe and / or those who are deceitful. The psalmist changes focus and reminds us how big and powerful God is.

The next psalm picks up this theme on the almighty power of God just by whose voice water, forests, mountains and fire dance or whirl. The Lord’s power brings people confidence and peace.

Jeremiah 25: 27 – 38

Jeremiah is more explicit in the description of the disasters to come for the nations and uses “the cup of wrath” as a metaphor. He tells them that it is all too late.

Luke 11: 29 – 44

Jesus’s life and signs are greater than Jonah’s words to Nineveh or Solomon’s wisdom to the Queen of Sheba, but the people still want proof. Jesus asks them to compare their eyes to a lamp that lights the darkness. If their eyes are working and they see the light they will be full of light, “consider whether the light in you is not darkness”.

Jesus has dinner with a Pharisee they have a discussion about outer and inner cleanliness and giving alms of what we have within like justice and the love of God.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Sunset on gum leaves Eucla WA
2014 L Osburn

Almighty God, you made everything including the unseen: faith, justice, power, will and love. You have shown us signs and wonders, and sent us prophets and your Son. Open our eyes and hearts to you. Fill us with light, joy and praise so that we can confidently draw people to your love through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 30 and 32

The first psalm is of praise and thanksgiving for healing and prayers answered.

The second is a lament and also of praise and deep thanks for the times God has answered prayers. It ends reminding us that the Lord preserves the faithful so we are to be strong, be courageous and wait.

Genesis 40

Joseph is in prison. He interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. He asks the cupbearer to mention him to Pharaoh when he is restored to his position. Joseph’s interpretations of the dreams are correct. The cupbearer is restored and forgets to mention Joseph. He is in prison another 2 years.

Hebrews 3: 16 – 4: 10

God’s rest was not just on the last day of creation or when the Israelites arrived in Canaan. God’s rest remains open to us all, today. “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harder your hearts.” God’s rest is salvation.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Yacht Fremantle Harbour WA 2014
L Osburn

Loving God, you have shown throughout scripture that you want the best for us. Give us patience to wait for our awareness to grow, so that we can recognised our prayers have been answered; for our hearts to hear and respond to your call so that we can accept your gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and redeemer. Amen.