24 September 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 24 September 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 56 and 57

The first psalm speaks of trust in God who is our salvation and who is with us when we fear the actions of other people. It ends in praise and commitment to faith.

The second psalm again is an appeal for aid against enemies who are compared to lions. The psalm shifts to praise. The psalmist wakes each morning to sing God’s praise, to uplift the soul and to ask God to be exalted in the world: to let God’s glory shine.

Nahum 3: 8 – 19

Nineveh is compared to Thebes – itself in ruins at the hands of the Assyrians. The people, the merchants the army, all have fled. Nahum prophecies that no one will regather them, there is no one to lessen the hurt and indeed people are rejoicing since the endless cruelty of the Assyrians is over.

Matthew 7: 6 – 23

Jesus tells us to value the things that are holy and not let them be devalued. We are told to ask for and seek the things we need from God since we would be generous to our children and not trick them if they ask for something. God is more loving and generous.

We are to be active in doing for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a call to generosity. And to restrict yourselves, don’t go for the easy way. Instead accept the challenges of faith. Jesus also warns of false prophets whose character we can see by the outcomes of their work.

We might have gifts of prophecy or casting out demons and say we are doing it in God’s name but unless are doing God’s will we are not God’s people.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Gum blossom
Denmark WA 2014 L Osburn

Loving God you are with us through all trials and are worthy to be praised and glorified. Guide us today to value the holy moments, to grasp them preciously and not toss them aside: to recognise them and thank you. In those moments when you break through into our lives remind us to be generous and to hold to our faith so that we do your will and are your people through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Wednesday 24 September 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 60 and 61

The disaster has struck. The people of the country are suffering. As a result attention to God has increased for some who rally like those joining together behind a banner. This psalm is an appeal to God to be with us in the challenge ahead. The psalm ends with “With God we shall do valiantly” (v12).

The second psalm is a prayer for protection. God is describes as a rock, a shelter, a hiding place and a great bird under whose wings we are protected.

1 Maccabees 2: 1 – 28

Mattathias a priest and his 5 sons go to Modein and mourn the profaning of the temple in Jerusalem by the Greeks who are forcing everyone to give up their beliefs and worship the Greek gods. The King’s officers came and tried to bribe Mattathias into apostasy. Another Jew goes forward to offer a sacrifice. Mattathias is enraged with zeal and kills the Jew and the King’s officer. He and calls all those faithful to the law to come with him into the hills.

Ephesians 5: 6 – 20

Paul warns to stay away from deceivers and live instead as children of light – seeking what is pleasing to God. Shine a light on darkness and expose it: awake, rise and let Christ shine in you!

Live your life wisely making the most of your time. Sing hymns and spiritual songs. Make melody, lift up your hearts at all times giving thanks to God in the name of Jesus.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Pelicans Denmark WA
2014 L Osburn

O God, who gives us courage and faith, strengthen us to rally in difficult times like people behind your great banner. Help us to stand, to sing and make a joyful melody to you so that we shine your light into the darkness of this world and expose everything to your loving and healing gaze through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.