6 November 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 6 November 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 18: 1 – 31

David exuberantly praises the Lord for saving him from death at the hands of his enemies. The images used are like a volcanic eruption. David is ecstatic with what he can do with God’s help. He rejoices utterly in God, the only God: our God.

“This God – God’s way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true” (v.30).

Nehemiah 10: 28 – 11: 2

By the signed agreement Nehemiah and the people enter into an oath for all their families to adhere to the Law of God given to Moses and they understand the curse that comes with the breaking of that agreement. They also agree to stay separate from the people of the land: to not intermarry, not buy goods on the Sabbath, not harvest in the 7^th year, tax themselves for the temple and to tithe.

They draw lots so that one in ten of the people live inside the city while the rest live in other towns. The people bless those who go willingly into the city.

Matthew 21: 33 – 46

Jesus tells the parable of the landowner who planted a vineyard and built a watchtower. He leases the vineyard to tenants. At harvest he sends slaves to collect the produce and the tenants beat, stone or kill them. This happens more than once so the landowner sends his son. The tenants, greedy for the inheritance kill the son. Jesus asks what will the landowner do? The hearers respond that he will put the tenants to a miserable death and get new tenants who will give him the harvest.

Jesus then quotes a psalm about the stone that the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone.

Jesus explains that the kingdom of God will be taken away and given to people who do produce the fruits of the kingdom. The chief priests and Pharisees realise Jesus is talking about them and want to arrest him but fear the crowds.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Indigenous Art from New Norcia
Benedictine Community WA 2014 L Osburn

 Holy and almighty God your promises are true. You gave us this beautiful world, life, expression and freedom. Even though we are not good tenants, still you sent your Son. Open our hearts to reflect on your promises to us and to consider your might – greater than a volcano – so that we review what we do, choose to be united with you and commit to give to you the fruits of your kingdom through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Thursday 6 November 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 18: 32 – 38 (39 – 44) 45 - 52

David continues his great psalm of praise for deliverance from enemies and as the warrior king he had to be, describes his supremacy in the battle. He is more subdued at the end, blessing God, extoling God’s name, praising God for his steadfast love and care.

Daniel 11: 14 – 28

The angel’s exposition of the future continues about kings and wars, invasions and intrigues including those with their heart set against the holy covenant. The commentary links all this to verifiable history.

Revelation 2: 8 – 11

John is instructed to write to the church in Smyrna and let them know these are the words of “the first and last who was dead and came to life” (v.8). Jesus knows their situation that although they are poor they have spiritual wealth. Jesus knows they are being slandered and some will be imprisoned. Jesus asks them to be faithful and consoles them with the promise of the crown of life.

Collect for Evening Prayer

King Georges Sound Albany WA*

2014 L Osburn

Holy and realistic God you keep us grounded in the realities of our world. If we are soldiers, we need to be soldiers, and if we are poor but rich in spirit, just being and persevering is who we need to be. There is evil in the world, there are wars and there is turmoil. Be with us. Remind us that you are the eternal one: the one who died for us so that we may, with your Spirit, courageously confront the challenges of this world and stay faithful and thankful for your great gifts to us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

This is where the fleet assembled in October 1914 which took the first  ANZACs to WW1 - The Middle East, Gallipoli and the Western Front. This was their last view of their country. We are currently commemorating these military personnel.