16 September 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Wednesday
16 September 2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalm 38
The psalmist is
dreadfully ill, so much so that friends stand a bit further away and people who
seek harm spread rumours. The psalmist stays quiet, trusting God, praying and
asking for God’s salvation.
1 Kings 11: 1 – 14 (15 –
22) 23 – 25
Solomon has many wives from
different regions and countries who bring with them their own beliefs and
practices. Solomon sets up altars for them and engages in the worship against
the covenant with God. God appears to Solomon twice and commands him on these
matters yet Solomon persists. The tearing apart of Solomon’s Kingdom is the
consequence but God does not allow this to occur until after Solomon dies.
Meanwhile, foes develop
from the Edomites wronged by Joab and from Rezon, originally a leader of a
marauding band, who sets himself up in Damascus.
Matthew
5: 13 –26
Jesus
says that we are the salt of the earth – we add flavour – but if we become
bland we are useless. We are like a city on a hill and cannot be hidden – we
are obvious to others. We are like lamps and there is no purpose hiding that
lamp. People need to see our actions to have evidence to glorify God.
Jesus
says that the Law remains and his teaching does not change it but fulfils it.
We too by teaching and following the Law will fulfil it. Jesus takes the Law a
step further so that we do not just fulfil the letter of the law but it’s
spirit. Thinking about doing something bad is as wrong as actually doing it. We
need to bring our thoughts in line with the Law not just our actions. We are to
seek reconciliation with people before we seek reconciliation with God.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. WA L Osburn |
Wednesday
16 September 2015
Evening Prayer
Psalm 39
The psalmist is mortally
ill and perceives his illness to be punishment from God. He decides to be calm
and quiet in the presence of people who would bring him more grief. He asks to
know how much time he has left. Humans are like passing guests, aliens. The
psalmist asks for a little relief so that he can smile before he dies.
Job 18
Bildad, Job’s friend now
replies strongly to Job. He says for the world to not cover Job’s blood would
upend the whole world order. Who does Job think he is?
What Job is saying – the
words he puts together are like a snare for others leading them to destruction.
Those who do evil must be
purged from the earth, their actions come to nothing and their offspring also
fail. Their memory must be expunged. Others watch and are appalled at what
happens to those who do evil.
Ephesians 2: 11 – 22
Paul says that through Christ we all belong to God and
there is no more distinction between the circumcised and the uncircumcised.
Christ was the sacrifice for us. Through his flesh he joined people from other
nations to the Jewish people. We are all reconciled to God. Through Christ we
are all joined together and become part of the holy temple, the dwelling place
for God across the entire world.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
New magnolias Harrietville Vic L Osburn |
Praise to you our loving God for the gift of Jesus who
reconciles us to you. We are free from the agonies of carrying the burdens of
our own sin. At the end of this day open our hearts to sing your praise and
give thanks to you so that we join with those who love you and grow your temple
on earth through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy
Spirit in our hearts. Amen.
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