Sunday 21 September 2014

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.

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