28 September 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 28 September 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 71

This psalmist is an older person who has had a life of connection with God.  The psalm is of praise and a plea for deliverance from personal enemies. The psalmist proclaims his faith and trust that God will raise hum up again and promises to use music to proclaim and praise God.

1 Kings 16: 8 – 34

In the twenty-sixth year of King Asa of Judah a fast succession of troubles and kings occurs in Israel. Elah, son of Baasha, reigns for two years when Zimri his chariot commander kills him, takes the kingdom and murders the entire Baasha family and friends. Zimri only reigns 7 days before Israel decides they want Omri, the commander of the army, king. Omri goes with the army to Tirzah where they besiege the city. Zimri, trapped goes to the citadel of the king’s house and burns it down with himself inside.

Omri, however has support from half the people. The others support Tibni to be king. Those following Omri overcome the people following Tibni. Tibni and many supporters die. Omri reigns for twelve years. Omri buys the hill of Samaria from Shemer, fortifies it and builds a city. He and all those who preceded him continue the worship of idols.

By the thirty-eighth year of the reign of King Asa in Judah, Ahab, the son of Omri begins his twenty-two year reign in Israel. He too is evil and takes Jezebel the daughter of King Ethbaal of Sidonia as his wife and begins to worship Baal. He erects an altar for Baal and a sacred pole for Asherah (fertility goddess) in Samaria.

Matthew 9: 1 – 13

Friends carry a paralysed man to Jesus. Jesus recognises the man’s faith and forgives his sins. The scribes complain that this is blaspheming. Jesus then and shows them he has been given the authority to forgive sins since he can heal whole bodies. He tells the man to get up and walk which he does. The people rejoice that such authority is given to a human.

Jesus sees Matthew in the tax booth and says, “Follow me”. Later when he is eating with the tax collectors, the Pharisees complain. He replies that those who are well do not need a physician and quotes scripture as their lesson “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (v.13). Jesus then states his mission is to those who sin.

Collect for Morning Prayer

All in the same boat
Gladstone Qld L Osburn

Gracious and loving God you came to give us all: the faithful, the generational sinners, the paralysed, the collaborators in times of oppressive regimes and tax collectors, the way to forgive. We thank you that you showed us how to love and how to show mercy and compassion so that our lives can be a walk beside you and be part of your mission through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Monday 28 September 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 119: 65 – 88

In this section the psalmist says that in the past he had gone astray, then was punished and humbled. These events led to study of the law and following God. Now, others are being arrogant, flout the law and attack him. The psalmist asks for deliverance and promises to keep the faith and be steadfast.

Job 26

Job sarcastically cuts in on Bildad’s response and finishes it for him. He describes the awesome majesty of God’s power and unknown ways that can hang all the weight of earth and hell and the waters on the flimsy canopy of the heavens. Yet with all that, we humans hear from God not a whisper.

Colossians 1: 1 – 8

Paul greets the community at Colossae and recognises their faith and hope found from hearing the gospel from Epaphras, a faithful minister of Christ.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Boom gate
Gladstone Qld L Osburn

Holy and blessed Lord, you know that we all go astray and have to grow in knowledge and faith. You know too that there are times when we cannot hear you or feel your presence. In those times, send us your faithful ministers to support us and help so that we too may minister to others through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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