22 September 2014
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Monday 22
September 2014
Morning
Prayer
Psalm 51
This is a penitential psalm. It is a prayer of intense
repentance. The psalmist asks for sins to be washed away, for the heart to be
made clean, and to be restored to salvation. Sacrifice is not a burnt offering
but a humble and contrite heart. The psalmist promises to teach others the ways
of God so that they too can offer prayers and praise.
Nahum 1: 15 – 2: 9
Nahum describes the sacking of Nineveh by other forces
that destroy every thing in the city, plunder its wealth and take the women as
slaves. Nahum claims that this is the Lord’s work restoring the majesty of
northern and southern Israel.
Matthew 6: 16 – 24
Fasting, needs to be a private thing not to be boasted
about or advertised. Make yourself look great and not suffering.
Focusing on material goods is not as helpful as focus
on storing treasures in heaven. Material things are destroyed and fade.
Having divided loyalties – trying to serve to masters
will lead to hating one of them. For example we cannot serve God and wealth.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Church bell "freedom bell" New Norcia Benedictine Community WA 2014 L Osburn |
Great and merciful Lord, you sent
your Son Jesus Christ to teach us your ways and to see how small things like
where we focus our energies can keep our hearts humble and in a strong
relationship with God. Today help us focus on you and be loyal to you so that all
glory and honour are yours through Jesus Christ who humbled himself for our
salvation. Amen.
Monday 22 September 2014
Evening
Prayer
Psalms 52 and 53
This psalm is directly to and about an evil person –
someone who plots and boasts about the mischief caused. It is a person who
deceives and who does not take refuge in God. The psalmist warns that God will
respond and the evil one will be humiliated.
The second psalm is about those who do not believe and
who do evil. God’s response to them will be terrifying. The psalmist prays for
the people to be delivered and for their fortunes to be restored.
2
Maccabees 7: 1 – 19
This
portion tells of the grotesque torture of seven sons of one woman because the
family refuse to eat pork or renounce their beliefs. Each son dies in humility
and courage explaining that everything they are came for God. They understand
that the invasion is because the people had rebelled and they know they will be
restored. But those ordering this torture are only powerful now, it will pass
and they will face God.
Ephesians 4: 17 – 28
Paul encourages the Christians to
step away from pagan rituals and practices – they are futile. We are taught to put away our former lives,
be renewed in the spirit and make our presence according to the likeness of God
(put on the characteristics of God like clothes). We are to speak the truth. We
may be angry but we are to resolve it before nightfall and not sin and not let
things fester so that the get out of hand. Don’t steal, work honestly and have
something to give to the poor.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Sunset near Lake Moodemeer Vic 2014 L Osburn |
Holy God who loves us, you know by direct
experience what humans can do to each other. Shine your light on our world.
Bring your freedom, liberty and truth to our lives so that we speak the truth,
resolve our differences, deal honestly with each other and support those in
need to you glory and honour through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit
in our hearts. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment