28 February 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 28 February 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalms 143 and 146

The psalmist is in hiding in a cave and sounds depressed yet, is still reaching out to God; is still trusting and obedient. “Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning for in you I put my trust” (v.8).

 The next psalm is one of praise to God who is trustworthy – more than princes: more than mortals. Our God sets prisoners free and cares for orphans and widows.

Genesis 42: 18 – 38

Joseph demands that one brother stay in gaol and the others return to Canaan and bring the remaining brother to Egypt then, he will believe they are not spies. The brothers talk among themselves not knowing that Joseph understands. They admit what they did to Joseph. Joseph instructs that the receive grain they purchase, provisions for their for the journey and that their money is returned.

On arrival home Jacob is angry and distressed because the brothers have again returned one brother short, with all their money. And now they want to take the youngest to Egypt. Jacob basically says, “Over my dead body will you take Benjamin”.

Luke 12: 35 – 48

Jesus tells the parable of the master who, coming home at an unexpected hour and finding the servants alert and ready will bless them and serve them. A disciple asks whether this lesson is for the people or for the disciples. Jesus replies that those who know more are expected to be more diligent. His message is for all of us.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Wipe-out
This sulphur crested cockatoo was surfing
on the top of a gum tree in a storm.
The bird flew off unharmed.
Lake Mulwala NSW 2015 L Osburn

Compassionate God of steadfast love and care for us all, we praise and thank you for your gifts of grace. Help us to be alert and open to you and to always trust in your unchanging love for us especially when the task before us is tough and we feel overwhelmed so that our lives are a witness to your love through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Saturday 28 February 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 119: 153 – 176

This portion of the psalm is a plea for preservation of life from someone who is devout “my soul keeps your decrees” and who admits going astray.

Jeremiah 28: 5 – 17

Jeremiah goes to see Hananiah. He concedes that Hananiah’s prophecy could be correct. Hananiah breaks the yoke on Jeremiah’s back. But the Lord came to Jeremiah and revealed that breaking the wooden yoke would only bring a yoke of iron. Jeremiah returns to Hananiah and tells him that his prophecy is false. He also predicts Hananiah will be punished. Hananiah is dead within the year.

Hebrews 6: 19 – 7: 10

We hear the ancient story of Melchizedek, a priest whose birth and death are not recorded and who met Abraham and blessed him. Abraham tithed to him – so he is greater than Abraham. The writer now compares this eternal high priest with the Levitic priests.

Collect for Evening Prayer

New figs on a small fig tree
Armadale WA 2014
L Osburn

Holy and merciful Lord, you have given us Jesus as our great high priest, prince of peace and redeemer of us all. In all we do, enable us to be true to you so that the fruits of your Holy Spirit may fill this world you love through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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