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 |
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.
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