3 October 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 3 October 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 78: 16 – 38

This portion of the psalm recounts the complaints against God when the Israelites were in the desert with Moses. Water was produced from rocks, food fell from heaven, both bread and birds. They had little faith and yet when they repented, God forgave.

Ezra 3: 9 – 4: 6

The foundation stone of the new temple is laid and the people praise God. Shouts of joy are mingled with the loud sobs of those who recall the old temple. The people of the land, those who were enemies and not Jews, ask to be part of building the temple too and to join in worshipping God. The heads of the families of Israel say no. As a consequence the people of the land bribe officials to frustrate the building process and when Ahasuerus becomes King of Persia they write an accusation against Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Matthew 10: 16 – 27

Jesus warns the disciples of the dangers of going out to heal the sick and cast our demons. When the disciples are accused they are not to worry about what to say but the Spirit will give them the right words. There will be dissent and the tearing apart of families and people.  The disciples will be hated in places. They are to flee when they can. The disciples will be like Jesus but not above Jesus. If they already call Jesus a demon in charge of demons we can expect they will call the disciples something similar.

Then Jesus tells them not to fear anything that happens will be revealed and that they are to proclaim Jesus’ words even to his whispers.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Deniliquin NSW
2013 

Holy Lord like a great coach you send us out into the field prepared for the opposition and respecting the challenges ahead. In the days ahead keep us alert to the opportunities to proclaim your word, give us the words to say even when we are accused and the wisdom to back away when needed so that we continue to proclaim your words even from the housetops through Jesus Christ and the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday 3 October 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 78: 39 – 70

The psalmist shows how short the memories of humans are and how fickle. The Israelites in the desert did not remember or take into account the miracles of God that enabled their freedom. They had little faith. God held on and made decisions about the future of the people and who would lead them, for example choosing the line of Judah rather than the line of Joseph: choosing David and Mt Zion. Whether humans were faithful or not, God still guides them.

1 Maccabees 6: 1 –17

King Antiochus in his quest for wealth to refill his treasury to fund the war, comes upon a city with a richly endowed temple. The people hear his plan and successfully defend their city from his attack. Antiochus hears that Lysias has been defeated and Jerusalem re-taken, the temple rebuilding continues and the wall fortified. He becomes deeply distressed, cannot sleep at night, realises he is dying and repents that he did what he did to Jerusalem. He hands the crown and signet ring to his friend Philip to take to his son Antiochus for whom Lysias was guardian. Lysias renames the boy Eupator.

Colossians 2: 8 – 15

Paul warns not to allow us to be captured by philosophy or empty deceit or elemental spirits but only according to Christ. In Christ all deity dwells. We have new forms of circumcision, baptism, burial and rebirth. We have been made alive through forgiveness. We do not have to go through the legalistic rules – those were all nailed to the cross. Christ disarmed rules and authorities and triumphed.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Agricultural Water tank - living water
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

Patient and loving God you are with us always. You delight in our faithfulness and trust in you. Lift up our hearts to celebrate your love, care and gift of new life so that we may be joyous and energised in our lives of service to you through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.