14 January 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 14 January 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalm 34

This is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise and one that teaches people to love and fear the Lord, to avoid evil and to seek peace. The psalmist teaches, “the Lord redeems the life of his servants” (v22).

Genesis 2: 4 – 25

Before plants there is no rain just streams of water feeding the earth. It is from the dust of the earth that humans are formed. The breath of life is breathed into the first person. The first human is in a fertile place that is fed by four rivers with trees and plants for food. And in the centre of this garden is a tree of life and knowledge of good and evil.

The first human is to care for the garden, eat anything except from the tree of life. The man needs a helper and the animals are brought to him for names. None was a suitable helper. Woman was formed out of the same rib-stock as the man – same flesh and bone.

John 6: 60 – 71

On hearing the teaching about Jesus being the bread of life and having to eat his flesh and drink his blood many disciples say the teaching is too hard and unacceptable. Jesus addresses their sense of offence and talks about life being of the Spirit and the flesh being meaningless. Jesus’ words are spirit. Jesus’ words are life. This is why Jesus said no one can come to Jesus unless the father enables them. Some disciples leave Jesus over this. Jesus asks the 12 disciples whether they want to leave too. Peter answers, to whom would they go? Jesus has the words of eternal life and they know that Jesus is the Holy One of God.

Jesus agrees that he has chosen the 12 but adds that one will oppose and betray him.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The Abbey
Jamberoo NSW 2012 L Osburn

Holy Lord of creation, life and spirit, open our hearts and minds so that we can experience you beyond our concrete, material perspective. Enable us to grasp your truth and depth so that we receive from you understanding, freedom and eternal life through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday 14 January 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 119: 17 – 40

In this section of the psalm is the plea to be taught and to be shown how to live out the commandments daily; how to read and understand scripture. There is a plea for protection against ridicule or harm by others because of our desire to be with and know God.

Jeremiah 2: 20 – 34 (35 – 37)

This section is an indictment of the people who are busy pursuing other gods and worshipping idols. They have forgotten who they are, what God has done and are acting like female donkeys on heat. When things go wrong they come to God expecting to be saved. They are sinning. They will be as disappointed with Egyptian gods as they were with Assyrian gods.

Colossians 1: 21 – 29

Paul says that those of us who were estranged from God and doing evil are now reconciled, restored and blameless before God through the crucifixion. This will continue provided we fully and steadfastly continue in our faith. That is what Paul’s mission and suffering were for: to ensure we, from all nations are strong and mature in the faith. In particular he wants us to know the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in us.

Collect for Evening Prayer

In the garden at the Abbey
Jamberoo NSW 2012 L Osburn

God of gracious forgiveness and love, you have given us Christ, to take in his words and his Spirit and to make them the fuel and energy source for our lives. Keep us focused and faithful all our days so that we may be part of the strengthening and maturation of people’s faith in all the countries of the world through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.