16 October 2014
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Thursday 16
October 2014
Morning
Prayer
Psalm 105: 1 – 22
The psalm praises God’s faithfulness. It praises
creation and God’s love. This portion recalls the early story of Abraham through
to Joseph being placed in charge of Pharaoh’s household.
Zechariah 8: 9 – 23
Zechariah reports that God proposes a time of peace,
prosperity and blessing. The people are charged to be truthful to each other,
judge in ways that make for peace, devise no evil and love no false oath. The
previous fasts will be seasons for joy and gladness. Jerusalem can be a beacon
to people from around the world. People will seek out Jews and say, “let us go
with you, for we have heard that God is with you” (v.23).
Matthew 13: 44 – 58
Jesus tells three parables beginning “The kingdom of
heaven is like…” In the first the kingdom is like a treasure buried in a field.
A man sells all he has to buy the field. Or like a fine pearl that someone who
knows quality pearls, sells everything to buy this one. So the first is about
the yield or product; the second is about comparative value. The third is a
dragnet that brings all the fish in. Those that are fit to eat are kept. This
is about judgement.
Jesus says well trained Mosaic scribes bring forth old
scripture and preserve new learning like a master of a great treasury can bring
out and display the old and the new. So scribes are not about curating a museum
but being part of the modern collection too.
Jesus returns to his hometown and preaches. The people
are astounded and consider this family background rather than hear him. He can
do no deeds of power there. He is not honoured even as a prophet.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Garden reflected Mandurah WA 2014 L Osburn |
Holy Lord
you faithfully love us through all the ages and keep asking us to love one
another, seek peace and be prepared to give up our search for products and
commodities as if they hold the answer. We are to seek you through attention to
the treasures in the scriptures and through Jesus Christ who died for us. Give
us the grace to hear you and the courage to live our lives in your service so
that those whose lives we touch may come into your presence and be heirs of
your Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday 16
October 2014
Evening Prayer
Psalm 105: 23 – 45
The psalm continues to praise God’s faithfulness to
the covenant and tells the story of the famine, Israel going to Egypt, the
Exodus and the arrival in the Promised Land.
Daniel 2: 36 – 49
Daniel interprets the dream and explains that the King
is one of a series of rulers and future regimes that will eventual crumble and
God will establish a universal Kingdom. King Nebuchadnezzar worships Daniel and
admits that truly Daniel’s God is God of Gods and Lord of Kings. He promotes Daniel
and agrees that Daniel’s friends be given positions of high status in the
realm.
1 Peter 2:
4 – 10
Peter
tries to put in words that Christ is the central stone for a living temple and
we are all part of that edifice. This isn’t a temple of stone – it is alive in
Christ. We have no need to sacrifice animals because we give and we are the
sacrifice. We through faith understand how precious Christ is. We understand
what the ancient scriptures mean about who Christ is. Even though we come from
many nations, through God’s grace we have been shown God’s mercy and chosen to
be Christians – a royal priesthood.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Sanctuary Island Deniliquin NSW 2014 L Osburn |
Holy Lord
you bring us out from ourselves, from the dark, from threat of death and give
us freedom and promotion in your living temple as your people. Be with us this
night as we reflect on all your mercies: your grace that opens our hearts to
you and the courage you give us to forgo our selves, to seek to do your will
and to be part of your great Kingdom. Help us recognise your great gifts and understand
that we are precious to you so that we are able to pass on your love and care
to everyone through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts.
Amen.
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