23 October 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 23 October 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 124, 125 and 126

If it had not been for the Lord the enemy forces would have attacked and overwhelmed us like a flood. Blessed be the Lord. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Those who trust in God shall never be moved. God will surround and support us. The psalmist prays for blessing on the faithful and that evil be kept away from us.

When we are restored we are full of joy and praise and others notice that our God has done great things for us. So we ask to be restored, that those in tears reap joy and those who weep and sow seeds come back with an abundant harvest.

Ezra 9

Ezra is told that the exiles have married into the “people of the land” who are not Jews and worship other gods. Ezra sees this as a great failure and risk of loss of purity and loyalty to God. He tears his clothes and hair, fasts, sacrifices and prays to God in utter embarrassment. Ezra prays that this remnant of believers in whom God trusts can be made whole. Ezra knows that God has already been merciful and has punished the people less than they deserved. Ezra is terrified and acknowledges the people’s guilt.

Matthew 16: 13 – 28

Jesus asks the disciples who do the people think he is and then who do the disciples think he is. Simon confesses that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus blesses him, recognises that Simon discerns by grace. Jesus calls him Peter and says that on this rock – this firm foundation that Jesus is the Messiah – will the church be built and the gates of death (Hades) will not win.

Jesus says that he will suffer and be put to death and then on the third day be raised. Peter wants to prevent this. Jesus tells him to get behind him (get out of the way and follow) and that he is a stumbling block (he has placed the rock that he is in Jesus’ path). Both are because Peter is still concerned with earthly understandings and his understanding of what the Messiah will do.

The Jesus says to all, if we want to follow Christ we must deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow. Those who want to save their lives will lose it and those who lose their lives for Christ’s sake will find it. Some with Christ that day will see Christ in the Kingdom before they die.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Morning
Broken Hill NSW 2014 L Osburn

 God of support and restoration we can only ever glimpse part of your plan. We sometimes don’t understand. We say and do the wrong things based on our limited perceptions. Forgive us. Restore us to our right place with you. Open our hearts and minds to your grace so that we may carry our crosses, and follow you with hearts that are filled with praise and joy through Jesus Christ our redeemer. Amen.

Wednesday 22 October 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 127, 128 and 129

Unless the Lord is with us in what we do our labour is in vain. Rising early, working late and being anxious about things are not part of God’s plan.

Those who walk with God are blessed to have the freedom to eat our own produce, prosperity sufficient for women to be creative and children to flourish. It is a blessing to see our grandchildren.

God has preserved us from all assaults in the past. The psalmist asks that those who are enemies of God not prevail.

Daniel 5: 1 – 16

King Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar at a festival calls for the vessels of the temple to be brought in, filled with wine and used by all. They toast to the gods of precious metals and stone. A hand appears on the wall and writes a message in a language the King can not read and nor can any wise people. King Belshazzar calls for Daniel.

1 Peter 4: 3 – 11

Peter acknowledges that people’s lives have changed and they no longer carouse and get drunk and worship idols. As a result their old friends are surprised and blaspheme. Peter says all of us will need to give an account of ourselves to Christ. This is the purpose of the gospel, that though we might be judged in the flesh we will live in the spirit.

Peter says the end is near so we are to be serious and love one another, be hospitable without complaint, serve one another with whatever gifts we have. Speak as if we are speaking with God’s words, labour with God’s strength so that God many be glorified n all things through Christ. To God belongs the glory eternally. Amen

Collect for Evening Prayer

North Mine and the Railway (silver)
Broken Hill NSW
L Osburn 2014

Holy and gracious Lord without you our labours and efforts come to nothing. Help us to reflect on today and the times you were with us so that we can see your action in our lives and praise you. And for the days to come, work in and through us to do your will for your glory through Jesus Christ and your Holy Spirit. Amen.