4 September 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 4 September 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 11 and 12

The psalmist disputes the claim one should run from enemies. The psalmist will stand firm. He says that if the foundation collapses, then all are powerless. The psalmist trusts in the Lord – the firm foundation.

The psalmist laments the lack of faithful people. People make promises and are unreliable. The poor and the needy suffer as a result but, the Lord is faithful forever and pure. The Lord guards and protects us.

Zephaniah 1: 14 – 2: 3

Zephaniah prophesies apocalyptic destruction. He calls for the people to gather together, to seek the Lord and righteousness, to be humble and perhaps they will be hidden from the wrath to come.

Acts 25: 1 – 12

Festus, the new governor arrives and goes to Jerusalem. The Jews appeal to him to transfer Paul to Jerusalem. Festus requires those who have a complaint against Paul to come to Caesarea. They do and put their case for which there is no evidence. Festus asks Paul if he wishes to go to Jerusalem for trial there. Paul appeals to be tried before the emperor. Festus is bound to honour Paul’s appeal.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Pylons supporting the road bridge
Mandurah WA 2014 L Osburn

 Holy Lord of power and might, compassion and justice, you know first hand what humans can do when their faces are not turned to you and your love. You are the god who died for us. Be with your people everywhere today. Strengthen us in faith and hope and love so that we may be your firm foundation and never fear coming to you in humility, confident in your grace and mercy through Jesus Christ our saviour. Amen

Thursday 4 September 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 13 and 14

These psalms are laments for personal deliverance from enemies and from a cynical age. The psalmist remains faithful proclaiming God’s deliverance of Israel and care for the poor.

Judith 8: 4 – 27

Judith, a faithful and devout woman calls the leaders of the community because they had promised to surrender the town to the enemy in five days if the Lord did not deliver them. Judith explains that they are putting God to the test. She explains that God is not like a human to be threatened or won over by pleading. She argues that in the current time no one is worshipping idols all are faithful to God. If the people are captured so will all Judea and the temple plundered, the people enslaved and not treated with any dignity or respect. Instead, she argues that this community should be an example, and give thanks to God for this time of trial.

1 John 2: 18 – 29

The writer encourages the Christians to stay firm and know that their baptism in Christ enables then to discern the truth. Those who say things against Christ, even if they were previously members of the church are false. We are to remember the message that we will abide in Jesus and in the Father. The writer encourages us all to continue abiding in Christ.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Low Tide Streaky Bay
SA 2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord you have given us examples and teachers in every age to guide and encourage us to abide in you, give thanks to you and be faithful in the face of all threats, enemies and false teaching. Help us to identify the many gifts we have by your grace, so that we may open our hearts and give you humble thanks remembering that you are the one who loves us so much you sent your Son to die on a cross of shame for us. Amen