Sunday 20 September 2015

21 September  2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 


Monday 21 September 2015 
Morning Prayer

Psalm 50

Almighty God who rules over the entire planet rebukes the people and explains that God does not need sacrifices of animals. God already owns all the creatures and plants of the earth. God instead requires thanksgiving and praise.

For those who do evil, slander others and hate discipline they have no right to recite the commandments.
“Mark this, then you who forget God” (v.23). Those who bring thanksgiving honour God and those who go the right way, God will save.

1 Kings 13: 1 – 19

A man of God comes to Jeroboam while he is at one of his altars and proclaims against the altar. He says that the king (Rehoboam) will have a son, Josiah. The priests will be killed and human bones will be burnt on this altar. Jeroboam stretches out his hand to the man and cries, “Seize him!” Jeroboam’s hand withers. The altar is torn down and ashes on it fall, as the man of God said.

Jeroboam asks the man to pray to God for him and restore his hand. It is done. Jeroboam invites the man to eat with him. The man refuses since he was told by God not to eat or drink and to go home in a different direction.

An old prophet in Bethel hears of this holy man and seeks him out. He then tricks him into going home with him and eating in his house.

Matthew 6: 16 – 24

Fasting, needs to be a private thing not to be boasted about or advertised. Make yourself look great and not suffering.

Focusing on material goods is not as helpful as focus on storing treasures in heaven. Material things are destroyed and fade.

Having divided loyalties – trying to serve two masters will lead to hating one of them. For example we cannot serve God and wealth.

Collect for Morning Prayer


The Old Pier
Eucla WA E Byford
Holy and gracious God you need nothing from us but thanks, praise and loyalty. Help us today to recognise the false gods and prophets around us. Confront us with any split loyalty we carry so that we recall our experience of your loving grace and your faithfulness and return our lives to you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.



Monday 21 September 2015
Evening Prayer

Psalm 119: 41 – 64

The earth is full of God’s steadfast love and the psalmist wants to be taught and affirmed and encouraged in understanding and living by God’s statutes. Through this the psalmist will have the words to say to those who taunt and the confidence to give testimony to kings. The psalmist identifies all the ways the commandments and statutes of the Lord enrich life.

Job 21: 1 – 16

Job addresses his friends only now and uses the reality that the wicked and godless are prospering. Their children prosper. If they die, they have an honourable funeral and there is no lesson for their children. Looking at reality, it isn’t just.

Ephesians 4: 17 – 28

Paul encourages the Christians to step away from pagan rituals and practices – they are futile.  We are taught to put away our former lives, be renewed in the spirit and make our presence according to the likeness of God (put on the characteristics of God like clothes). We are to speak the truth. We may be angry but we are to resolve it before nightfall, not sin and not let things fester so that the get out of hand. Don’t steal, work honestly and have something to give to the poor.



Collect for Evening Prayer

Duck and Sea
Esperance WA L Osburn
Merciful and loving God, your commandments enrich our lives and you renew our spirit. Give us strength and faith to speak the truth, to step back from anger and sin, to work honestly and to give generously regardless of what anyone else might be doing so that we continue to grow in confidence and bring our selves and our presence closer to your likeness through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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