11 March 2015

11 March 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 11 March 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalms 28 and 29

In the first psalm, the there is an appeal to not be like people who don’t believe and / or those who are deceitful. The psalmist changes focus and reminds us how big and powerful God is.

The next psalm picks up this theme of the almighty power of God whose voice makes water, forests, mountains and fire dance or whirl. The Lord’s power brings people confidence and peace.

Genesis 48

Jacob is about to die and calls Joseph and his sons (Jacob’s grandsons) for a blessing. He adopts Joseph’s sons as his own and blesses them. He crosses his hands and so the second born son receives the more potent blessing. He gives Joseph the territory that includes Shechem.

Luke 16: 1 – 13

This story of a dishonest steward is used to instruct the disciples that we can use our possessions to gain not lose our future. We can be shrewd in the management of the resources for the greater final end – salvation for us and for many.  The second message is that the little things we do in our communities and do faithfully really do matter.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Blackberries*
Harrietville Vic 2015 L Osburn

Holy creator God, all we have is yours to manage and to share. Today as we make difficult decisions in life, and work help us to stay honest, open and discern the right course of action. Keep us in the knowledge that the things we do matter so that we may experience your confidence and your peace through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday 11 March 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 30 and 32

The first psalm is of praise and thanksgiving for healing and prayers answered.

The second psalm tells how happy we are when our sins are forgiven. The psalmist tells of an illness cured as soon as sins are repented.  Therefore everyone is to pray to the Lord when in distress. The Lord our hiding place, preserves us and delivers us. Steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. We should be glad, rejoice and shout for joy.

Jeremiah 32: 36 – 33: 9

Jeremiah experiences more encounters with God who tells him that the city will be destroyed and it will also eventually be healed. Those in exile will return. The city shall be united and prosper again.

Hebrews 10: 32 – 39

The writer reminds people that in the early days of their faith they had hard times, their possessions were taken, people were injured and imprisoned and they supported each other. They are encouraged to keep the faith and not to shrink back from God’s saving grace.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Flowers in the desert
Head of the Bight SA 2014 L Osburn

Lord of saving grace and delivery we thank you for the many times you have brought us through hardship, challenges and illness. Be with us now as we reflect on your steadfast love. Open our hearts so that we call on your whenever we are distressed and fill us with joy and thanksgiving and your peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Blackberries are a noxious weed in Australia. They have thorns and invade gardens and the bush. They mean to us hard and painful work sometimes requiring a bull-dozer. On the other hand, they make luscious jam.

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