13 September 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 13 September 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 35: 1 – 17

This section of the psalm asks for God to contend with personal enemies: those who fight, who devise evil, who ensnare, who are malicious witnesses, who repay good for evil and, who mock. The psalmist asks, “say to my soul ‘I am your salvation’ ” (v.3).

Isaiah 34

This passage talks of a time of terrible destruction as a result of faithlessness in all the nations. Kingdoms, for example Edom will be utterly destroyed and eventually become a wilderness. Animals and birds of prey will flourish there.

Acts 28: 27 – 31

Since God’s people’s hearts are dull, ears blocked and eyes shut, God’s message of salvation goes to the people of all the nations.

Paul lives in Rome for two years and preaches without hindrance.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Canola
Rutherglen Vic 2014 L Osburn

Holy God you love us so much that you gave us your Son and sent the Paul and the Apostles to spread the message of your salvation to people everywhere.  Open our hearts to you. Unblock our ears to your voice. Give us clear sight so that we are faithful to you. Enable us to act in ways that bring the light of your love into dark places and for all souls to hear your words of salvation through Jesus Christ who died for us. Amen.

Saturday 13 September 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 35: 18 – 29 and 36

The end of the first psalm continues the plea for God to contend with personal enemies and vows to praise God when the psalmist is vindicated.

The second psalm describes the character of those who are wicked. It then describes the character of God “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light”(v.9). The psalm ends in a plea for steadfast love and salvation.

Judith 16: 13 – 25

Judith continues her song of the invincibility of God and God’s mercy to those who are faithful. The community travel to Jerusalem and Judith dedicates the belongings of the defeated Assyrian general to God. They stay in Jerusalem for three months and return to their own lives and Judith to her estate. She is honoured. Peace continues while she lives and for years after her death.

3 John

This is a letter to a faithful person Gaius who is known to provide hospitality to Christian missionaries. He is commended and encouraged to continue even in the face of another church member who is expelling people from the Christian community if they accommodate and support missionaries. The letter ends with the hope the writer can come and speak with Gaius face-to-face.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Spring Blossom
Rutherglen Vic 2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord you are the one who brings light to darkness and truth to fear. You are the wellspring of life. Be present with us as we bring our day to you. Shine your light and bring your truth to our reflections so that we may be freed from darkness and fear, be hospitable and full of grace, dedicate ourselves to you and sing your praises through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.