9 February 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 9 February 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalm 89: 39 - 53

The psalm is about a descendant of David for whom there has been losses in battle, destruction of the city and removal of the office of King. It laments the withdrawal of the support and protection of God. This is an appeal to God to remember the promises to David.

Genesis 24: 1 - 21

Abraham gives one of his servants a mission to go to his country of origin and bring back someone who is willing to be Isaac’s husband. Isaac is not to marry from among the Canaanites. The man goes and stops at the well at Nahor. He prays that God will send the right person to the well – one who will give him water, and for his camels too. Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel comes and freely gives water to the servant and the camels. The servant watches her closely to know whether or not the Lord is helping to make his journey a success.

Luke 4: 1 – 15

One Sabbath Jesus goes to eat at the home of a Pharisee. He sees a man who is unwell. Jesus asks whether it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. There is no reply. Jesus heals the man.

Jesus then begins the conversation – if your son or ox fell in a well on the Sabbath wouldn’t you get him out? Again they say nothing.

Jesus notices the seating at the meal and advises that when we go to a meal we are not to take the most honoured seat for there may be someone more distinguished. The host will ask us to move, we will be embarrassed and have to take one of the last remaining seats. Instead we are to take a lower position and then be asked to move to a place of honour.

Jesus also says when you have a party or banquet don’t invite friends and relatives who will invite you back. Instead invite the poor, the blind, people who are unwell: people you know will never be able to repay you. Then you will be blessed and repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The Travellers' Cross
Eyre Highway Eucla WA
2014 L Osburn

Holy God, through the scriptures and in direct interactions you have taught us to have two main concerns: you and our neighbours. Righteousness comes through putting you first, having your guidance and your hand in all we do and in caring more for others than our piety, safety, esteem or benefit. Today and all this week keep us in this right mind so that we know that our lives and actions bring praise and glory to you through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Monday 9 February 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 91

This psalm is one of reassurance and comfort about the care and protection the faithful have from God. “For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (v.11)”. This is a reminder of God’s loving protection and deliverance to those who call for salvation.

Jeremiah 16: 1 – 15 (16 – 21)

Jeremiah reports God saying he is no to marry, attend funerals, mourn or show sympathy. He is not to go to feasts, since the time is coming when all joy and gladness will cease. When people ask Jeremiah why this disaster is coming he is to tell them it is a result of their fathers forsaking the law and worshipping other gods and their own behavior, following their own stubborn hearts. They will be thrown out.

God also says that there will be a day when instead of praising God who brought the children out of Egypt they praise God for bringing them back from exile in the land to the north and out of all the countries where they were banished.

In the meantime, there will be fishermen and hunters catching the people. They will be repaid for wickedness and idol worship, for making and worshipping their own gods. Therefore God will teach them whose is the power, whose is the might and so they will know his name: the Lord.

Philippians 3: 1 – 16

Rejoice in the Lord! Be aware of those who falsely distort the requirement for circumcision. We who worship by the Spirit of God who glory in Jesus are fully part of the people of God. It is not being circumcised that makes a difference else Paul himself, his heritage and actions would make him assured. Instead, all that is rubbish compared to the greatness of knowing Jesus Christ. Righteousness comes from knowing Christ and by faith not from knowing the law. Paul wants to know Christ and the power of Christ’s resurrection, the fellowship and sharing in his suffering.

Paul says he has not attained this but will strive for the thing Christ embraced him to do. Paul encourages all of mature faith to think this way too and at least to live up to what we have already been given.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Quiet contemplation
The Abbey Jamberoo NSW 2012
L Osburn

Generous and faithful God, you have given us so many gifts of love. Help us like Paul and like Jeremiah to stay clear of thoughts, words or actions that move us away from you. Be with us now as we contemplate your great gifts and your grace so that in the calm and quiet we can recommit to do the things you have embraced us to do through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.