Tuesday 4 November 2014

5 November 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 


Wednesday 5 November 2014 
Morning Prayer

Psalms 15 and 16

The first psalm lists the moral characteristics of people who are permitted in the temple. People who tell the truth, care for their neighbour and behave ethically.

The second psalm praises and blesses God and delights in the faithful. The psalmist commits to support people of faith and uses personal testimony of how God has enriched his life.

Nehemiah 9: 26 – 38

Nehemiah continues the general confession of the people. He acknowledges that their disobedience is the reason they were in captivity and are still under harsh rule. In the confessions, Nehemiah recounts the times when the people in trouble called to God and were sent a saviour and forgiven. He draws up an agreement in writing to be signed by all officials, Levites and priests.

Matthew 21: 23 – 32

When Jesus was teaching in the temple the chief priests and elders question him on his authority. He asks them first about the authority of John the Baptist. They cannot answer – they see a catch. Equally Jesus will not answer because their question is a trap. He tells a parable. A man instructs his sons to do a task. The first refuses then changes his mind and does it. The seconds promises to do it but does not. Jesus asks which son does the will of the father? They answer: the first son.

Jesus explains the tax collectors and sinners who repent because they believe John are like the first son, doing the father’s will. But the priests and elders who don’t believe John, who don’t change their minds, will not see the Kingdom of God.

Collect for Morning Prayer


New Norcia Benedictine Community WA
2014 E Byford.
Merciful and loving God, you love us so much you gave your only Son to die for us. We all, in our own ways, have stubborn shoulders and stiffened necks. We all from time to time say “no” to you or “not yet” or “tomorrow” and when we come to you repentant you forgive us. Help us to get over ourselves and be humble. Help us to choose you first, listen to you and do your will first so that we behave like your people of faith and you can delight in us through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday 5 November 2014
Evening Prayer

Psalm 17: 1 – 13 (14) 15 - 16

The psalmist is a faithful and devout person who has been beset by wicked enemies. God’s protection and care is requested. God is asked to overthrow the wickedness. The psalmist wants relationships restored: him with God, the people with God and with him.

Daniel 10: 18 – 11: 13

Again the angel in human form touches Daniel and tells him not to fear, to be courageous: he is safe. The angel goes on to reveal the future processions of kings and powers (which the Bible commentators match with subsequent events).

Revelation 2: 1 – 7

John is to write to the Ephesians. The letter acknowledges their faith, due diligence in testing apostles and finding the false ones, their enduring patience and bearing up for the sake of Jesus. They are however weary. They have abandoned the love they first had and stopped doing the good works they first did. They need to repent or stop being a church. To their credit they have not been caught up in defiling themselves. They are, if they have ears, to listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

Collect for Evening Prayer


In the Children's Chapel
New Norcia Benedictine Community WA
See the delicate love and joy in the art work
2014 E Byford
Nurturing God you want us to be alive and full of energy for you, to have no fear, to be courageous and know we are safe with you. Be with us in the stillness now. Help us take stock and be aware of those things we have let get in the way. Help us turn around. Help us too, to see where we are strong and faithful so that your Spirit takes a swift, firm hold on our hearts, lifts them to you and returns us to the heights of your joy and love so that we restore your church through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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