5 September 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 5 September 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 15 and 16

The first psalm lists the moral characteristics of people who are permitted in the temple. People who tell the truth, care for their neighbour and behave ethically.

The second psalm praises and blesses God and delights in the faithful. The psalmist commits to support people of faith and uses personal testimony of how God has enriched his life.

Zephaniah 2: 4 – 15

Zephaniah prophesies that all nations surrounding Jerusalem will be destroyed from the coast, down to Ethiopia, up to Assyria and the city of Nineveh.

Acts 25: 13 – 27

When King Agrippa and his wife Bernice come to visit, Festus the new governor, tells them about Paul. He says he must send him to the Emperor but he does not know what to write on the accompanying letter. Festus says there are no real charges against Paul and no evidence, just points of religion. King Agrippa agrees to hear Paul. The next day Paul is brought before the King, the military tribunes and the prominent people of the city.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Eyre Highway SA
2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord, great and mighty creator, where you are brings light and life and darkness is banished. Guide us and encourage us this day and every day to live lives that show we are your faithful people so that when we come before you, our King we will be recognised as people of your truth and love through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Friday 5 September 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 17: 1 – 13 (14) 15 - 16

The psalmist is a faithful and devout person who has been beset by wicked enemies. God’s protection and care is requested. God is asked to overthrow the wickedness. The psalmist wants relationships restored: him with God, the people with God and with him.

Judith 8: 28 – 9: 14

The leaders of the city agree with Judith that the vow they made was wrong. Now they are trapped in it. Judith declares that God will act through her. That night she prays. She recognises God’s strength and protection of the poor and humble and compares God’s greatness to the meagre threat of strong men, horses and great armies. She prays that the deceitful words she will utter will stop this army so that all will know that God is the one of all power and might and that God alone protects Israel.

1 John 3: 1 – 10

The writer explains that through Christ we have been made children of God and when Christ is revealed we will be seen to be like Him. So we choose to do the right thing and not sin. Anyone who sins and does not love their brothers and sisters is not from God and they will be revealed for who they are.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Denmark WA
2014 L Osburn

God of relationships and care, you want us to be your children growing in the likeness of Christ your Son. You ask that we love you and love each other. Help us to remember that you work through people like us, regular people with the abilities we have. Give us courage to take the risks necessary to love others so that we are actively part of your plan for the restoration of the world through Jesus Christ and Your Holy Spirit. Amen.