6 October 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 6 October 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 86

The psalmist approaches God in humility and reverent recognition asking for assistance. Praise and honour are awarded to God and the psalmist asks to walk in truth and to have a heart for God alone. Thanks are given to God for steadfast love.

The main request is for help against the “insolent” who are threatening the psalmist’s life. The psalmist acknowledges that God is, merciful, gracious and overflowing with love so asks for grace and strength in this time of challenge so that those causing trouble may see, reflect and repent.

Haggai 1: 1 – 11

Haggai prophesies that now is the time to start rebuilding the temple. The governor and chief priest live in panelled houses, have sufficient food and drink, and don’t have to count pennies yet they have not restored the temple. There will be continued drought and crop failure unless the temple is rebuilt.

Matthew 11: 1 – 11

Jesus having instructed the disciples continues teaching in the cities. John the Baptist who is in prison sends his disciples to Jesus to ask whether Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus replies that they should tell John the words Jesus speaks then consider his deeds. He blesses those who take no offence.

When the disciples of John depart, Jesus asks the crowds, whom did they go to see in the wilderness? Was he a political leader or a prophet? Is he the fulfilment of the prophecy of the voice crying in the wilderness –“prepare the way”? John the Baptist is one of the greats among humans and only one of the humble in heaven.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The Cathedral that is the Karri Forest
SW WA 2014 L Osburn

 Holy Lord you dwelt with the ancient peoples in their tent then their city. We offer our hearts and minds to you in humility and faith. Help us in the days ahead to invest our time and effort in building ourselves into living temples for you so that we play an active part in spreading your peace and love in the world through Jesus Christ who died for us. Amen.

Monday 6 October 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 88

This is a prayer of a faithful person who has been seriously ill since childhood and now believes they are close to death. The prayer asks God to listen. The psalmist is bold with God. “Is your steadfast love declared in the grave…?” (v.11). The only sense of hope in this psalm is in God’s response.

1 Maccabees 7: 1 –18

Demetrius arrives and has King Antiochus and Lysias killed. He sets up a false priest, Alicmus and Bacchides as governor for Judah. They arrive in Judah and talk in ways that suggest negotiation but they have a large army. Judas Maccabeus is sceptical. The Hasideans, believing Alicmus to be credible, approach and are given oaths of peace but Alicmus kills 60 Hasideans in one day. Everyone now knows there is no truth or justice in Demetrius’ people.

Colossians 3: 1 – 11

Since we have been raised with Christ we need to seek things that are above the material world. We are to put aside self-gratification and wrath, anger, abuse and slander. We are to become our new self and know that for all Christians, no matter our country or customs Christ is our all and is in all of us.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Reflections on Blackwood River WA
2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord, love, truth, justice and compassion are yours. Help us, to review our progress in our lives with you and to celebrate and give you thanks for every time we choose you over our selves to be our all in all, so that we are vessels of your truth, justice and faithfulness in our world through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.