26 September 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 26 September 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 65 and 70

Psalm 65 is a glorious hymn of praise to God, who forgives us, saves us, satisfies our souls and creates the world and everything in it. In particular it gives praise the food we receive at harvest time.

Psalm 70 is a plea for help in time of urgent need. It asks for those who seek harm to be confused and turned back and those who seek God to rejoice and give praise.

Joel 1: 15 – 2: 11

Joel continues to describe the locust plague as a mighty unstoppable army able to enter every stronghold, walk over weapons, destroy everything before them and leave a devastated country to waste behind. The priests blow the shofar to warn of the approaching calamity.

Matthew 8: 5 – 22

A centurion comes and asks for healing for a sick servant. He explains that he is not worthy for Christ to come into his home but Christ need only command the servant will be healed. Jesus heals the servant and praises the centurion for his faith.

He heals and casts out many spirits, which fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases”.

A crowd gathers. A scribe approaches and says he will follow Jesus who replies that foxes and birds have places to rest but Jesus has no place to rest. He is making it clear that following Jesus as not a picnic.

Another disciple asks first to bury his father. Jesus says, “Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead” (v. 22).

Collect for Morning Prayer

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse WA
2014 L Osburn

Gracious God you are with us during times of trial and need. You forgive us, satisfy us, tell us the truth and call us to your service. Today help us keep our clear focus on you no matter what pressures we experience so that at the end of this day we can know that we are part of your new creation and praise and give thanks to your Holy name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday 26 September 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 66

A great song of praise to God: “Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth” (v 1).  The psalmist lists the gifts of God and particularly that prayers are answered. God is a God of steadfast love.

1 Maccabees 2: 49 – 70

Mattathias is about to die. He recalls for his sons all those who were faithful to God and to the Law and entreats them to do the same. They are not to fear the proud and powerful whose reigns are temporary. He makes his son Simeon, who is wise, the family counsel and Judas Maccabeus the commander of the army. He blesses his sons and dies.

Ephesians 6: 1 – 9

Paul counsels the Christians to honour each other, our parents, our children, our masters if we are slaves and our slaves if we are masters. We are to remember to work diligently not only when we are being watched but at all times. We are to acknowledge that there is one Lord of us all and we are all equal before God.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Playing together at Bussleton WA
2014 L Osburn

God of joy and peace, you want us to be humble and honour and value each other as you honour and value us – each one precious in your sight. Be with us now as we reflect on our work, our words and our actions today. Help us identify those times where we honoured others and obeyed you. Make us bold to do the same and more tomorrow and the days after so that we become one of your gifts to the world through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.