14 September 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 14 September 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 34

This is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise and one that teaches people to love and fear the Lord, to avoid evil and to seek peace. The psalmist teaches, “the Lord redeems the life of his servants” (v22).

1 Kings 10: 1 – 13

The Queen of Sheba comes to visit Solomon and to see for herself whether the stories of his wisdom are correct. She is breathless when she uncovers that he is wiser, has greater wealth and has a better-ordered kingdom than reports indicate. She gives great gifts of gold and spices.

Solomon also receives sandalwood and precious stones from Ophir, shipped by Hiram of Tyre’s fleet, which he uses to make supports for the temple and his house, and to make musical instruments.

Matthew 4: 12 – 22

After Jesus’s temptation by the evil one and when he hears of John the Baptist’s arrest he withdraws to Capernaum, which in itself, fulfils a prophecy of Isaiah’s. There he begins his ministry. He meets Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew and the Zebedee son’s James and John and calls them to come with him and fish for people. They leave their nets, boats and families and follow Jesus.

Collect for Morning Prayer

In the desert - no water in the creek
Stephen's Creek NSW E Byford

Amazing God of wisdom and redeeming grace, we give you thanks for your Son Jesus Christ who when evil was afoot and John was arrested went to those who had suffered most, those in most need of your love and inspired others to join in ministry. Awake in us a breathless realisation of your wisdom. Guide us to see that when bad things happen, when withdrawal is necessary, that we are to avoid evil, seek peace, go to those in most need and use our gifts there and inspire others to do the same so that all can learn to love and revere you and receive your redemption through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Monday 14 September 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 119: 17 – 40

In this section of the psalm is the plea to be taught and to be shown how to live out the commandments daily: how to read and understand scripture. There is a plea for protection against ridicule or harm by others because of our desire to be with and know God.

Job 16: 1 – 17

Job has had enough of the windy words of his friends. He could have said the same if they were in his position. He sees his situation as coming directly from God – being torn up, shrivelled, worn out, gnashed, struck and given to the ungodly. The assaults burst on him again and again. Job has put himself in sackcloth, given up on his own strength, wept, and still done no violence to anyone or to God. Job attests his prayer is pure.

Ephesians 1: 1 – 14

Paul begins blessing God and saying how God, chose us before the creation of the world, has adopted us, redeemed us through Christ and forgiven us through grace. Through Christ we know God’s plan to gather us all, and for us to live, praise and glorify God. As believers we are given the Holy Spirit as seal of God’s promise through Christ of our redemption and our inheritance.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Reflection
Blackwood River WA L Osburn

Gracious and loving God you have a plan for us all. Give us grace this night to review how we lived out your commandments today even if we are beset by sorrow, loss, sickness, pain and tragedy. Give us strength to do the same tomorrow and to join with others praising you and giving you thanks for our redemption and our eternal inheritance with you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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