23 September 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Wednesday 23
September 2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalms 54 and 55: 1 – 12
The first psalm is a plea
to be saved from enemies, a statement of faith and a promise to give a free
will offering to God once the psalmist is triumphant.
The second psalm portion
is another plea for aid against enemies. The psalmist fears for his life and
wants to run away. There is trouble around the city walls and the psalmist asks
that the enemies plans be confused.
1 Kings 14: 1 – 18
Jeroboam’s son is sick. He
instructs his wife to go in disguise to Ahijah the prophet who said that
Jeroboam would be king in his part of Israel. She goes but God revels to Ahijah
who is coming and the message.
As a result of Jeroboam’s
great wickedness in setting up altars, casting images and making the people
worship other gods the child will die and be buried as soon as the mother
returns to the city. Then every member of Jeroboam’s family will die and not
have a grave. The Lord will raise up another king to rule all Israel. The house
of Jeroboam will be cut off. That process begins now.
Matthew
7: 6 – 23
Jesus
tells us to value the things that are holy and not let them be devalued. We are
told to ask for and seek the things we need from God since we would be generous
to our children and not trick them if they ask for something. God is more
loving and generous.
We are
to be active in doing for others what you would like them to do for you. This
is a call to generosity. And to restrict yourselves, don’t go for the easy way.
Instead accept the challenges of faith. Jesus also warns of false prophets
whose character we can see by the outcomes of their work.
We
might have gifts of prophecy or casting out demons and say we are doing it in
God’s name but unless are doing God’s will we are not God’s people.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
After the sleet shower Harrietville Vic L Osburn |
Holy and almighty God you make it clear that we are to
protect and value the holy, seek what we need from you, be generous and
responsive to the needs of others, to take up the challenge of the disciplined
life of faith and to do all things in accordance with your will. Give us the
power, resources, strength and courage to do your will today so that or lives
value and celebrate all that is holy through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Wednesday 23
September 2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalms 55: 13 – 15 (16 – 17)
18 – 28
The psalmist’s enemy is a
close friend. It is harder to bear treachery from someone close. The friend has
tricked another and done great harm. God will hear and respond. Lay our burdens
on God. God’s is the punishment not ours. Trust God.
Job 22: 1 – 22
Eliphaz, Job’s friend
argues that God does not need people and does not need them to be righteous. He
asks, is it for Job’s piety that God has entered into judgement for him?*
Eliphaz goes on to accuse
Job of specific wrong doings. He pleads with Job again to repent, to agree with
God and be at peace.
*We know from he beginning
that it is and that God will benefit from Job’s proof of righteousness.
Ephesians 5: 6 – 20
Paul warns to stay away from deceivers and live
instead as children of light – seeking what is pleasing to God. Shine a light
on darkness and expose it: awake, rise and let Christ shine in you!
Live your life wisely making the most of your time.
Sing hymns and spiritual songs. Make melody, lift up your hearts at all times
giving thanks to God in the name of Jesus.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Spring magnolias Harrietville Vic L Osburn |
Amazing and wonderful God, who are we that you care
for us and concern yourself with our thoughts, words and deeds? Indeed you are
awesome in your love and grace and faithfulness. Help us this night to lift our
hearts and voices in praise to you, always and everywhere through Jesus Christ
your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.
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