18 March 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Wednesday 18
March 2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalms 41 and 44: 1 - 9
The psalmist is sick. Illness was seen in the past as
punishment for sin. Enemies hope the psalmist will die but come and visit being
pleasant, then making plots when they leave. Even the psalmist’s best friend
has turned his back. The psalmist prays for healing, restoration and
vindication. God is blessed.
Exodus 3
Moses encounters God on Mt Horeb. His attention is
first drawn to a burning bush that seems not to be consumed. Moses is humble,
listens, and is commissioned by God to go to Egypt, free the Hebrews and return
to Mt Horeb to worship. God tells Moses how to name him (I AM) and that he will
use his might and create wonders to make the Egyptians grateful when the
Hebrews leave.
Luke 18: 31 – 43
Jesus tells the disciples they are going to Jerusalem
and exactly what is going to happen to him – including the resurrection. They
do not understand.
Near Jericho they are walking and a blind beggar calls
to Jesus, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (v.38). Jesus asks what the blind
man wants. His sight is restored. The people praise God.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Streaky Bay SA 2014 L Osburn |
God of healing and restoration, you hear the prayers of those who are sick, free the oppressed, give sight to the blind and redeem us through the crucifixion, death and resurrection of your Son. Help us today to have faith and trust in your great power so that we become your signs and wonders for others to come to you and see you clearly through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.
Wednesday 18
March 2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalm 44: 10 – 27
In this psalm there has been a great defeat. The
people are scattered, enslaved, had everything taken and destroyed. They are
humiliated, derided, taunted, reviled and disgraced. But they do not forget
God’s promise or turn their hearts away. If they had, would not God discover
it? God knows our heart’s secrets. The psalmist ends with a call to God to
rise, to come to our aid and redeem us through steadfast love.
Jeremiah 37
Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon makes Zedekiah King. He
plans to revolt against the Babylonians. The Egyptians arrive and lift the
Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. The Lord tells Jeremiah that the Egyptian presence
will be brief, the Babylonians will return, and Jerusalem will burn.
Since the siege is lifted Jeremiah decides to go to
his hometown for personal business but is arrested at the gate and accused of
deserting. He is imprisoned in the cistern room of Jonathon the secretary’s
house – now a prison.
Zedekiah calls for Jeremiah and asks, “Is there any
word from the Lord?” (v.17). Jeremiah gives news, which gives no support to
Zedekiah’s planned revolt against Babylonian rule. Jeremiah asks not to be sent
back to Jonathon’s house. He is put in the King’s court of the guard and
guaranteed food while supplies last.
Hebrews 12: 25 – 29
Where we are headed is the dwelling place of God. We
can choose to road to Mt Sinai or the Road to Zion. If we take the first it is
up to us. If we take the second we will be introduced by Jesus, already
refined, already with the dross shaken off us. So when the shaking and refining
happens – we are unshakable. Give thanks for this unshakable kingdom.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Sunset Streaky Bay SA 2014 L Osburn |
Great God, you know our hearts and prepare an eternal unshakable
kingdom for us. Be with us this night through the disputes, strife and
frustrations of our world. Help us call to Jesus, your promise and your word so
that we may rest in the comfort of your eternal love and keep our hearts set on
you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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