2 February 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 2 February 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalm 77

The psalmist is deeply distressed, not sleeping at night, feels alienated from God and wonders whether God has gone. He decides to remember all the blessings of the past and the evidence of God’s enduring protection. He ceases moaning and instead gives thanks.

Genesis 18: 22 – 19: 11

Abraham negotiates directly with God and gains an agreement that if 10 righteous people are found in Sodom and Gomorrah the cities will be spared. The angels arrive at Sodom. Lot is there to meet them at the gate. He insists the angels come to his home and that they do not go into the square. A mob comes to Lot’s door demanding the strangers. Lot tries to dissuade and appease them even offering his daughters. The angels pull Lot inside and cause the mob to lose their sight so that they cannot find the door.

Luke 2: 1 – 7

Caesar Augustus decrees a census of the Roman Empire. All have to return to their town of birth. Joseph and Mary go back to Bethlehem. Mary is betrothed to Joseph and she is pregnant. While they are in Bethlehem the baby is born. She wraps the baby in cloths and places him in an animal feeding trough because there is no room in the inn.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Eucalypt  leaves
Mt Beauty Vic 2015 L Osburn

God of wonders and salvation you teach us to remember and rejoice in your gifts to us especially when our hearts are downcast. Keep us in your grace. Strengthen us to keep the faith. Open our eyes so that we look beyond our initial assessments of things to your greater purpose and rejoice always in your love for us, through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord and Your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Monday 2 February 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 78: 1 – 15

The psalmist encourages people to tell the stories of God and his relationship with the people to their children, in parables, the old sayings, the history, decrees and miracles so that they will not be stubborn or rebellious.

Jeremiah 12: 1 – 13 (14 – 17)

Jeremiah asks God why the wicked prosper and how do they get away with talking about God but having godless hearts? God answers warning Jeremiah that things will get worse. God will allow the city and the people to be destroyed and will the people will go into exile. They will then be restored if they believe in God and be reestablished as God’s people. If not, they will be utterly destroyed.

Philippians 1: 1 – 11  

Paul and Timothy greet the Philippians and thank God for them and their partnership in the gospel. Paul says that no matter if he is in chains or preaching he knows the Philippians share in God’s grace. Paul prays that their love may grow in knowledge and depth of insight so that they may be able to discern what is best be blameless and be filled with the fruits of righteousness that come through Christ.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Roots from trees visible in the bedrock
Bright to Mt Beauty Road Victoria
2015 L Osburn

Holy Lord, you encourage us to make sure our children know the stories so that your authority is understood and they can be led by your love. Help us to demonstrate our appreciation and respect for your authority and your way by rejoicing and seeing your hand turning difficult times to great opportunities to extend your gospel and news of your love through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.