22 October 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 22 October 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 118: 1 – 18

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! The remainder of the psalm tells of God’s assistance and reminds us to put our trust not in people or rulers, but God alone.

Ezra 8: 15 – 36

Ezra gathers the returning exiles and does a quick census. He has no Levites so he sends a group of wise people to Iddo at Casiphia. Two families come with 220 temple servants. He calls a fast to pray for God’s protection on their journey – they have no armed protection. Ezra hands the gold and silver vessels to 12 of the leading priests and their kin for safe keeping until they are handed to the temple in Jerusalem. Everything is counted and is safely conveyed to the temple. The exiles sacrifice at the temple and deliver the King’s messages to governors and administrators.

Matthew 16: 1 – 12

Pharisees and Sadducees come to test Jesus and ask for a sign. Jesus says they can already predict by watching natural events so can themselves read the “signs of the times”. He will only give them the sign of Jonah. Jonah had three days in the whale, was restored and through him the whole city of Nineveh repented – another nation a non-Jewish peoples.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Ripples and Reflections
In an agricultural water tank bringing
life to the parched earth.
Armadale WA  2014 L Osburn

God of eternal trust and love, in your care and with your protection the impossible and improbable is possible. We remember that Christ gave all to you and as a consequence saved the world. Help us put our trust in you and give you our cares so that we may spread your love and care throughout the world through Jesus Christ our redeemer. Amen.

Wednesday 22 October 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 118: 19 – 29 and 120

The psalm section brims with sweet praise to God. “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it” (vv. 23-24).

The second psalm is a cry of distress from a person in exile far from Israel surrounded by warrior people, “I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war” (v.7).

Daniel 4: 28 – 37

Nebuchadnezzar is walking on his roof-top marvelling at the city he constructed and hears God say that his kingdom is departed from him an that he will be sent away from human company and dwell in the fields with animals until he learns that God is sovereign. This occurs and the king’s hair and nails grow (like eagles feathers and birds claws). On his return he repents and praises and honours God.

1 Peter 3: 17 – 4: 2

Peter reminds us that it is better to suffer for doing good than evil. He recalls Christ’s death and resurrection and how his death set others free – everyone – from all time. As the flood washed away people so our sins are washed away (not like dirt but deep in our conscience). This same Christ is with God and all powers and authorities are subject to Christ.

Since Christ suffered in the flesh, let us put aside our human desires and seek God first.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Holy Lord you are our God and we will give thanks to you.

Free
Mandurah Estuary WA 2014 L Osburn

You are the one who has the power to change the hearts and minds of everyone, including great rulers. Be with us this night. Remind us that you have already rescued us. We are already free. You have already won the victory. Open our hearts to joyfully praise you for your steadfast and enduring love through Jesus Christ and your Holy Spirit. Amen.