16 January 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 16 January 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalm 38

The psalmist is dreadfully ill, so much so that friends stand a bit further away and people who seek harm spread rumours. The psalmist stays quiet, trusting God, praying and asking for God’s salvation.

Genesis 3: 20 – 4: 16

The first man gives the woman a name, Eve – the mother of all living. God makes them clothes out of skins. God, concerned that humans may overreach again and seek eternal life, banishes the humans from the garden and sets cherubim and a flaming sword at the East.

The man and woman begin to have children. Eve acknowledges God’s assistance in reproduction. The first, Cain, is a farmer. The second, Abel, herds animals. Cain brings an offering to God. Abel brings the firstlings and their fat portions as an offering. Cain perceives that his offering is not accepted and gets angry. God warns him that if Cain does well he will be accepted and if he doesn’t sin lurks ready to pounce so mastery of sin is what is needed.

Cain kills Abel. God asks Cain where Abel is. Cain deflects, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The Lord lets Cain know that Abel’s blood bears witness in the ground. Cain will no longer be able to till the soil. He is to wander the earth. Cain is concerned others will kill him. God gives him a mark and promises that those who harm him will receive seven-fold vengeance. Cain goes from the presence of God towards the East to a different land.

John 7: 14 – 24

In the middle of the festival of the Booths Jesus goes to the temple to teach. People are amazed at his knowledge and debate about where his knowledge comes from. Jesus’s knowledge, message and purpose are all from and for God.

Jesus challenges then on their hypocrisy of which parts of the law they allow to be kept or not kept on the Sabbath, that is, circumcision which could be performed on the Sabbath or healing by Jesus which is deemed offensive.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Radar and guidance equipment
Fishing Fleet Fremantle Harbour WA  2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord, you love us and know our characteristics from the start. One of them is that we want to be in control – to have things go our way. Help us avoid lurking sin when our lives become less certain. Help us come to you in humility and seek understanding, direction and purpose from you so that we seek your glory and remain true through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Friday 16 January 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 39

The psalmist is mortally ill and perceives his illness to be punishment from God. He decides to be calm and quiet in the presence of people who would bring him more grief. He asks to know how much time he has left. Humans are like passing guests, aliens. The psalmist asks for a little relief so that he can smile before he dies.

Jeremiah (3: 24 – 25) 4: 1 – 18

Jeremiah continues to tell the people about their shameful behaviour sacrificing to other gods and having orgies. Israel is to repent and circumcise their hearts to avoid wrath. Judah on the other hand will be attacked and besieged by a force from the north that is already on its way. It is time for lamentation and wailing. The courage of the king will fail and the prophets will be astounded.

Colossians 2: 8 – 15

Paul warns not to allow us to be captured by philosophy or empty deceit or elemental spirits but only according to Christ. In Christ all deity dwells. We have new forms of circumcision, baptism, burial and rebirth. We have been made alive through forgiveness. We do not have to go through the legalistic rules – those were all nailed to the cross. Christ disarmed rules and authorities and triumphed.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Sailing boat
Fremantle harbour WA 2014 L Osburn

God of antiquity and God of the now, in the past illness, opposition and invasion were seen as punishment but now through Christ we have a new situation. You love us so much that you offer us new life, and forgiveness. Be with us now as we bring ourselves to you, our day, our weeks of trouble and distress. Help us remember that these are already nailed to the cross so that we may with joy and gladness know the triumph of your love through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.