11 September 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 11 September 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 of the almighty power of God whose voice makes water, forests, mountains and fire dance or whirl. The Lord’s power brings people confidence and peace.

2 Chronicles 36: 1 – 14

The Chronicles tell of a series of inadequate Kings who followed Josiah and the control and invasions of Egypt and Assyria because the people, prophets and priests were unfaithful. The list of Kings is: Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah.

Acts 27: 33 – 44

Paul is on the boat and the crew have not eaten properly for 14 days. He takes bread, breaks it, gives thanks and eats. Encouraged they all eat. They lighten the ship again by dumping cargo. In the morning they see a bay, cut off their anchors, cut the ropes holding the steering and set a sail. They run aground on a reef and the soldiers want to kill the prisoners to stop them from escaping. The centurion stops them. As the boat breaks up they use planks of wood and swim to safety.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Tall ship Fremantle Harbour WA
2014 L Osburn

 Almighty God you are indeed great and powerful. Your rule is constant and true for your faithful people even through times of wicked rulers, invasions, false prophets and great storms. Today remind us to tell our problems how big you are and remind ourselves always of your power and might so that we may be like Paul and through our faith bring encouragement and compassion to others through Jesus Christ or Lord and your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thursday 11 September 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 heard confession and answered prayers. It ends reminding us that the Lord preserves the faithful so we are to be strong, be courageous and wait.

Judith 15

The Assyrians scatter once they find their general dead. The Israelites get messages to all towns and the route of the Assyrians begins and goes to beyond Damascus. Judith is praised by the high priest and called “The Glory of Israel”. Much booty is recovered. Judith is given Holofernes’s tent and household goods including silver dinnerware. The women and Judith dance with ivy leaf wands and olive garlands on their heads.

1 John 5: 13 –21

The writer concludes by reminding us we have eternal life through Christ. God hears our prayers when we do his will. We are to pray for our brothers and sisters who sin. We are God’s children and God sent Jesus his Son so that we might get understanding and know him and be in him in truth. Jesus is the true God and eternal life is true.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Children on the beach
Cape Le Grand National Park WA
2014 L Osburn

Great God of glory, you listen to us and hear our prayers as a kind parent listens to a child. Through Jesus you have already won for us the victory over the evil one. Lift up our voices in praise and thanks to you so that we help others persevere with courage faith sure in the knowledge of your love and care for us through Jesus Christ our saviour and redeemer. Amen