8 October 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 8 October 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 89: 1 – 18

This section of the psalm praises God for faithfulness and steadfastness in all generations, for the creation of the earth and the victory over chaos. Happy are the people who sing praises and walk in God’s pathway.

Haggai  2: 10 – 23

God asks Haggai to question the priests whether carrying something consecrated and holy means that anything that comes into contact with it is holy? They answer no. And if someone touches something unclean, and then touches any other things do those things become unclean? They answer yes. Thus if the people are unclean their offerings are unclean, and that un-holiness is more contagious than holiness.

God says that the harvests will be restored, kingdoms on earth are about to be overthrown and that God has chosen Zerubbabel to be “like a signet ring”.

Matthew 11: 25 – 12: 8

Jesus praises God for revealing wisdom not to the knowledgeable but those beginning in faith. Christ claims a personal connection with God; God knows him, he knows God and those to whom Jesus reveals God will know God too.

Jesus then says the words of comfort, welcoming those with heavy burdens to come to Him, learn from Him, know that He is gentle and humble and will give us rest, gentle direction and a light burden.

The disciples, hungry go through a wheat field on the Sabbath glean and eat. Some Pharisees see and complain. Jesus reminds them that David and his soldiers did worse by eating the bread of the Presence in the temple, and priests themselves break the Sabbath. God desires mercy not sacrifice and if the Pharisees understood this they would not have condemned the guiltless.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Still and serene gull at sunset
Streaky Bay SA 2014 L Osburn

God of gentleness, God of grace you know our struggles to do the right thing, to seek holiness and your presence. You show us that we are to be merciful to others and to ourselves. Help us to be with you now in faith and praise so that we still and small, are  quiet with you, like a signet ring on your finger through Jesus Christ who died for us. Amen.

Wednesday 8 October 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 89: 19 – 38

This section of the psalm states the unalterable covenant with David and his line forever even if the children violate God’s laws, the relationship with David will continue.

1 Maccabees 7: 33 – 50

Nicanor, the prince sent by the King to quell the Jews, goes to the temple. The people greet him and show him the sacrifice they are making for the King. He mocks them, derides them, speaks arrogantly and demands the people hand over Judas Maccabeus and his group or the temple will be destroyed. As he departs the priests stand at the altar weep and pray to God for deliverance.

Nicanor camps outside Jerusalem and is joined by the Syrian army. Judas prays for God’s help to crush this force. The armies meet in battle. Nicanor loses his life early. The enemy flees and are outflanked by people who come from their villages. The people rejoice and proclaim the day of the victory a holiday.

Colossians 3: 18 – 4: 6

In these instructions of how we behave with each other God’s rule comes first. There is no instruction to be obedient to sinful or harmful actions by anyone. Those in position of power are to show love and mercy and know that God will pay back wrongs done, impartially.

We are to pray, give thanks, pray for Christians who are in prison on account of their faith, conduct ourselves wisely and be efficient, speak graciously to others in thoughtfully, informed not flowery ways.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Base of a Great Red Tingle Tree
Tallest Eucalypts in Australia "Valley of the Giants"
Walpole WA 2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord we can be secure that you are with us, that you hear our prayers. May we take this security and confidently follow your lead, love one another, speak and act in mercy and be authentic with all we meet so that we can do your will, and your name can be glorified because of our lives through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.