25 March 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalms 62 and 63

For God my soul waits in silence: my salvation and my hope come from God. All people and things and powers are temporary. God is our rock and fortress and we shall not be shaken. Steadfast love belongs to God.

As a drought-ravaged land seeks water so our souls seek God. God’s love is better than life. God’s love is like a rich feast. Meditating on God causes our souls to sing.

The psalm ends with a plea for personal security.

Exodus 8: 20 – 9: 12

The fourth plague is flies, which only affect the Egyptians and none of the Israelites in Goshen. Pharaoh promises to let the Israelites sacrifice. Moses says, that this cannot be in the presence of the Egyptians for they will be offended and stone the people. Pharaoh agrees, that the Israelites can travel away to sacrifice. Moses intercedes with God and the fly plague stops. Pharaoh changes his mind.

The fifth plague kills the Egyptians’ livestock and does not harm the Israelites’ animals. The sixth plague is fine soot blown in the air that causes boils on the skin. Still the Pharaoh’s heart is hard.

Luke 2o: 27 – 47

Sadducees come to Jesus saying there is no resurrection. Using a law about brothers being required to marry the widow of another brother, they construct a scenario where this happens seven times. They want to know who is the true husband in the resurrection. Jesus tells them they are wrong in their understanding of the resurrection – no one marries or is married, instead all are like angels. Further, he quotes scripture where God says, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob” they are and God is. God is the God of the living not the dead. Some who heard said, “Teacher you have spoken well.”

Collect for Morning Prayer

First Camellia
Harrietville Vic 2015
L Osburn

Eternal steadfast and loving God, you know that our souls live and seek you continually. Give us moments today where we can meditate on you, lift our souls to sing and be refreshed so that no matter what we encounter, plagues or opposition we may feel your deep stillness have nourishment for our souls and continue to spread your love through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 64 and 67

The first psalm is about those who do evil and think no one can see or hear them. God knows. God sees. God will respond. Let the righteous rejoice and take refuge in God.

The second psalm is a blessing. “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us” (v 1). The blessing asks too that our lives be testament to God’s glory. May the whole world sing praise and rejoice.

Jeremiah 41: 11 – 42: 6

Ishmael kills Gedaliah, the governor appointed by the Babylonians. He forces the remnant of the people out of the places they live and leads them to the Ammonites. Johnanon and supporters intercept Ishmael, there is a skirmish, the people are free, but Ishmael escapes. Johnanon and the people do not know what to do now. They fear reprisals from the Babylonians so think escape to Egypt is an option. Conversely, they worry that escaping could be seen as an admission of guilt. They call Jeremiah to intercede with God and promise to do as God directs.

1 Peter 2: 19 – 25

As Christians we are charged to deal with punishment inflicted unjustly. This is a witness of our faith. When Christ was abused he did not return abuse. When he suffered he did not retaliate with threats. We can deal firmly and respectfully and non-violently. We are to respond, with respect.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Autumn arrives
Harrietville Vic 2015
L Osburn

Holy God who blesses us, keeps us, and whose face shines on us, keep us from harm. Strengthen us to manage hardships with firm conviction, respect and love so that our live may be a testament to your glory through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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