31 August 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 31 August 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 75

The psalm begins with praise and moves to God as judge, putting down the boastful wicked and lifting up the righteous.

Matthew 17: 14 – 27

Jesus heals an epileptic young man. The boy’s father had taken him to the disciples and they were unable to cure him. Jesus calls the disciples faithless and perverse saying if they had the tiniest amount of faith nothing would be impossible.

He tells them that he will be betrayed, handed over and killed.

When they reach Capernaum the temple tax collectors ask Peter whether Jesus pays the temple tax? Peter says yes. Peter raises the matter with Jesus who asks, “Who do Kings on earth take their tax from, their own children or others?” Peter answered “others”. Jesus replies, “then the children are free”. But so no offense is caused, Jesus tells Peter to catch a fish, take the first one he catches, open its mouth and inside will be a coin to give for the temple tax for both Jesus and Peter.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Two Young Kookaburras
Naturally camouflaged
Lake Mulwala NSW 2014

God of healing grace, through you miraculous restorations to wholeness occur. Open our hearts and minds to your power today so that we may recognise the miracles in front of us and praise you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday 31 August 2014

Evening Prayer

Exodus 11

God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to ask their neighbours for objects of silver and gold. Moses then warns Pharaoh of the last plague – the death of the first-born. God also says to Moses that Pharaoh’s heart will continue to be hardened so that God’s wonders can many in Egypt.

Psalm 95

Sing to God songs of praise for all things God has done for us. Be joyful. Make a noise. Do not harden your heart like the Israelites did when they were wandering in the wilderness.

Romans 12: 1 – 8

Paul appeals to all to come to God and offer our lives and abilities to God in accordance with the faith we have now. We are to be transformed and renewed.

Paul says we need not till wait until we have “met certain criteria” to show that we are better than we currently are, to earn this place in the world’s terms. We are to come now and use the current gifts we have and according to the current level of our faith. All of us have a place.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Crested pigeon
Lake Mulwala NSW 2014 L Osburn

God of wonders, you love us and have given every one of us gifts and abilities. As we prepare for the week ahead be with us now, hold us as we commit our lives and skills and abilities to you so that we too are transformed and renewed and are part of the that great refreshment for the whole world, through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.