26 January 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 26 January 2015

AUSTRALIA DAY

Morning Prayer

Psalms 65 and 70

Psalm 65 is a glorious hymn of praise to God, who forgives us, saves us, satisfies our souls and creates the world and everything in it. In particular it gives praise for the food we receive at harvest time.

Psalm 70 is a plea for help in time of urgent need. It asks for those who seek harm to be confused and turned back and those who seek God to rejoice and give praise.

Genesis 13

Abram leaves Egypt with all he has and returns via the Negeb to the place near Bethel where he originally set up an altar. Both he and Lot have large flocks. Disputes arise between their shepherds about grazing areas. Abram and Lot agree to separate. Lot goes east to the Jordan Valley. Abram is promised the land he can see from where he is, and offspring as numerous as the dust of the earth. He travels to the oaks of Mamre near Hebron and builds an altar there.

Luke 1: 1 – 12

Luke distils the knowledge from eyewitnesses and other accounts of the events and circumstances of Jesus’ life for Theophilus.

In the days of King Herod of Judea a priest, Zechariah whose wife is a direct descendant of Aaron, the first priest, is Elizabeth. They have no children.

Zechariah’s group is serving and the temple and he is chosen by lots to enter the sanctuary and offer incense. An angel of the Lord appears. Zechariah is terrified.

Collect for Morning Prayer

All the Colours
Di's Garden, Mandurah WA 2014 L Osburn

 Gracious and loving God your scriptures remind us of women and men through time who were faithful to you and your great gifts and challenges to them. We thank you for your abundant gifts and mercies. Be with us every day, and defend us from all harms seen and unseen so that we may live our lives to your glory through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Monday 26 January 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 66

A great song of praise to God: “Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth” (v 1).  The psalmist lists the gifts of God and particularly that prayers are answered. God is a God of steadfast love.

Jeremiah 8: 4 – 17

The Lord asks Jeremiah isn’t it normal when people fall they get up again and that when they go astray they come back? But these people are not coming back, not asking, “What have I done?” Instead they are plunging headlong into trouble. The scribes are reading the scriptures falsely. They and their families will be lost. The people are not producing from the gifts given by God – God can find no fruits to harvest, so God is passing them by. The army is coming. The snorting of the horses is audible. The snakes are being loosed among the people and they will bite.

James 2: 1 – 13

James challenges us to respect the poor since they too are heirs of the kingdom and are rich in faith. We are to honour them when they come to our assemblies.

James reinforces that God’s law needs to upheld – not just in parts but also as a whole. The laws of God are laws that allow liberty for all and mercy is central to our community.

Collect for Evening Prayer

New Grapes
Gasped Vic, 2015 L Osburn

Generous and steadfast God you have given us many gifts, abilities, sensitivities and most of all, your Son. Free us from the things that bind us so that we may love you fully, care for all your people and live lives that are full of your Spirit and produce for you the fruit you long to see, love, joy, peace and justice through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.