18 March 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 18 March 2014

Morning Prayer

Psalms 41 and 44: 1-9

The psalmist is ill, mortally ill. The psalmist’s enemies are happy and a close friend has walked away. This is a plea for healing and restoration.

This portion of the psalm reminds us of God’s actions in nation building and protecting the people in wars. They do not go into battle trusting in their own abilities but in God. And yet, now they have suffered a defeat.

Jeremiah 29: 24 – 30: 9

The high priest receives a letter of complaint from Babylon Jeremiah’s that demands punishment for Jeremiah. The return letter condemns Shemaiah  (the author in Babylon) and prophesies that his family will not be part of the group who returns.

In the next section Jeremiah is instructed by God to write a book and this begins the recording of the consolations. The first is freedom from oppression and that there will be a king from the Davidic line.

Luke 13: 1 – 9

Jesus talks about people who suffered violent and sudden deaths. He encourages people to repent. He then tells the parable of the fig tree. If it is not bearing fruit it needs to be ripped out but the caring gardener will nurture it one more season, if it fruits it will remain in the garden.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Spiky desert plants. Nullabor SA
2014 L Osburn

Almighty God, this is your world and you made it. Some of us are mortally ill, have been injured, have been victims of violence, political strife and exile and natural disasters. We turn to you and put our trust in you. You ask us to take the risk, to nurture each other, to start again and watch your fruit grow in us. Help us today Lord, no matter what comes our way to trust you, to nurture and love each other so that we may bear fruit through Jesus Christ our Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tuesday 18 March 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 44: 10 – 27

The psalmist gives voice to the despair felt following defeat, slaughter of the people, oppression and scattering. The people suffered because they were faithful to God. They are still faithful and yet God does not appear to be answering. This is a lament.

Genesis 43: 15 – 34

The brothers arrive in Egypt. Joseph is informed and prepares a feast at his own home. The brothers are invited there and are suspicious. They tell Joseph’s steward about the return of the money. He says, it must be the providence of your God because I received payment for the grain we gave you. Joseph is overcome when he sees Benjamin but does not reveal his identity.  They feast.

Hebrews 7: 26 – 8: 6

Jesus is the great high priest in the ultimate temple. He is the mediator of a “better covenant” (v 6).

Collect for Evening Prayer

Blackwood River Sue's Bridge WA
2014 L Osburn

Caring God, you know our circumstances and you love us. You know some of us feel far from you and despairing, others are afraid and suspicious due to our circumstances yet you invite us to your feast. You have given us your own son as mediator. Help us confidently rest in you this night, knowing that Jesus is with you as our great high priest, we can bring our concerns directly to you through Him our Lord and saviour. Amen.