Wednesday 21 January 2015

23 January 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 22 January 2015
Morning Prayer

Psalm 51

The psalmist asks for God’s mercy for sins to be forgiven, transgressions blotted out. The psalmist admits that the sin was against God alone and God’s judgement is justified. Since God desires truth, the psalmist asks to be taught wisdom in his secret heart. The psalmist wants to experience joy and gladness again since his whole being is crushed in recognition of his sin. “Create in me a new heart, O God and put a right spirit within me” (v.10).

Genesis 9

God blesses Noah and his sons and grants them the right to eat not only plants but also animals. God states that those who shed the blood of humans will in turn have their blood shed. God establishes a covenant using the rainbow as a sign that never more will there be total destruction like the flood. From Noah’s sons come all the people of the earth.

Noah plants a vineyard, harvests and makes wine. He becomes drunk and when asleep Ham who is the ancestor of the Canaanites sees his naked body and tells his brothers. Shem and Japheth bring a cover and walk into the place backward so that they see nothing and preserve Noah’s privacy. When Noah wakes and finds out what Ham did, he curses him that he will be a slave for his brothers. Noah blesses God for Shem (ancestor of all Semitic peoples) and Japheth whose territory will be far. After man more years Noah dies.

John 8: 21 – 30

Jesus says he will be going away, that people will look for him and die in their sin if they do not believe in who he says he is.  He goes on to say that no one can follow his path, that he is following God’s path and speaking God’s words. When Christ is raised up the people will know who he is, and what he has done. Many believe in him.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Juvenile Female King Parrot
Harrietville Vic 2015 L Osburn
 Holy, loving and generous God, you give us the opportunity for new beginnings and new life, new hearts and new minds through the death and resurrection of Jesus your Son our Lord. Fill us with joy, thanks and praise for you today. Make us shine like your rainbow within our hearts so that we become your promise in this world you love through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.



Thursday 22 January 2015
Evening Prayer

Psalms 52 and 53

In the first psalm a person who trusts riches, seeks refuge in wealth, who is mischievous and plots destruction is warned that God will respond. In comparison those who trust in God are like a green olive tree, trusting in the steadfast love of God and praising God.

The second psalm is about those who do not believe and who do evil. God’s response to them will be terrifying. The psalmist prays for the people to be delivered and for their fortunes to be restored.

Jeremiah 6: 16 –30

Jeremiah proclaims that the Lord says the people need to see themselves at a crossroad and search for the ancient way, follow that and find rest for their souls. But the people do no listen or follow. Destruction will come. The fancy sacrifices and incense have no use. A ruthless army is coming. Reports of the army make people powerless. There is terror coming. The time of testing of the people is coming.

Colossians 4: 7 – 18

Paul offers his final greetings and grace to the Colossians recommending the disciples who are bringing the letter and reminding them that they are in everyone’s prayers particularly Epaphras – who is one of their people. Paul asks his chains to be remembered.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Reflection on Blackwood River
SW WA 2014 L Osburn
Steadfast and loving God, you have given us your scriptures to teach us and sent your Son to free us and redeem us. Be with us now as we reflect on our day. Show us the times we trusted in you today and the moments we praised you. Help us recall each instance so that we may trust you more and praise you more tomorrow and every day through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

No comments: