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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