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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