15 March 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 15 March 2014

Morning Prayer

Psalm 37: 1 – 17

There are people who do evil and prosper. Their presence is a challenge to us to choose faith, to do good things, to stay calm, to not get angry or envious of their wealth. Stay with the Lord and be patient. It is their story and his job if they continue to reject him.

Jeremiah 28: 5 – 17

Jeremiah goes to see Hananiah. He concedes that Hananiah’s prophecy could be correct. Hananiah breaks the yoke on Jeremiah’s back. But the Lord came to Jeremiah and revealed that breaking the wooden yoke would only bring a yoke of iron. Jeremiah returns to Hananiah and tells him that his prophesy is false. He also predicts Hananiah will be punished. He was dead within the year.

Luke 12: 35 – 48

Jesus tells the parable of the master who, coming home at an unexpected hour and finding the servants alert and ready blesses them and serves them. A disciple asks whether this lesson is for the people or for the disciples. Jesus replies that those who know more are expected to be more diligent. His message is for all of us.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Pennant Flag Luck Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park
WA 2014 L Osburn

Almighty God, you are faithful and just. You care for all of us. We know that life is not fair and that bad thing happen to good people. Help us to hold on to your promises, to be ready to respond in ways that are life-affirming and compassionate for all and not take into ourselves anger or retribution that are not ours to bear. Help us to wait for you if faith and keep pathways open for all to find your loving embrace and come to your salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saturday 15 March 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 37: 18 – 40

This portion of the psalm continues with examples of God’s retribution for the wicked and protection and salvation for the faithful and the meek.

Genesis 42: 18 – 38

Joseph demands than one brother stay in gaol and the others return to Canaan and bring the remaining brother to Egypt then, he will believe they are not spies. The brothers talk among themselves not knowing that Joseph understands. They admit what they did to Joseph. Joseph instructs that the receive grain for the journey and that their money is returned.

On arrival home Jacob is angry and distressed because the brothers have again returned one brother short, with all their money. And now they want to take the youngest to Egypt. Jacob basically says, “Over my dead body will you take Benjamin”.

Hebrews 6: 19 – 7: 10

We hear the ancient story of Melchizedek, a priest whose birth and death were not recorded and who met Abraham and blessed him. Abraham tithed to him – so he is greater than Abraham. The writer now compares this eternal high priest with the levitical priests.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Windmill Cape Le Grand National Park
WA 2014 L Osburn

Eternal God, your ways and plans for our lives are often unclear to us. Help us to recall your great and generous gifts to us and to praise you. Remembering your great mercies and goodness will refresh us to do your will, now and every day through Jesus Christ. Amen.