3 September 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 3 September 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 9

This psalm is a song of thanks and praise for the demise of past enemies and the eternal presence of God. The Lord is the security for oppressed people and that means individuals too. The psalmist moves to a prayer for individual help. The psalm ends asking God to “let the nations know that they are only human” (v.20).

1 Kings 4: 20 – 34

Under Solomon, Israel and Judah prosper and are safe. Solomon’s wisdom and knowledge are esteemed and sought-after. He composes psalms and proverbs. People come from all nations to hear the wisdom of Solomon.

Acts 25: 1 – 12

Festus, the new governor arrives and goes to Jerusalem. The Jews appeal to him to transfer Paul to Jerusalem. Festus requires those who have a complaint against Paul to come to Caesarea. They do and put their case for which there is no evidence. Festus asks Paul if he wishes to go to Jerusalem for trial there. Paul appeals to be tried before the emperor. Festus is bound to honour Paul’s appeal.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Mount Beauty
Vic. L Osburn

Holy and magnificent God, you are wisdom to the wise, security for the oppressed and the wrongly imprisoned. Fill us with calm confidence so that we, this day, may go about your work knowing that all earthly powers and dominions are only human and you are divine, eternal and with us through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Thursday 3 September 2015 

Evening Prayer

Psalm 10

The psalm begins describing how arrogant wicked people are: how they think God does not see them and that they can get away with anything. But God does see. God will hear the meek and give them strength and provide justice for the orphan and oppressed so that people on earth will “strike terror no more” (v.18).

Job 9: 1 – 24

Job considers the greatness of God and questions his predicament.

God is wise and supremely powerful. No mortal could answer even one in a thousand of God’s questions. God created even the constellations and yet passes by unseen by us. When God takes something away, who is going to question?

If God is angry we know from ancient times God will be victorious. Even if Job thinks he is innocent, will God listen? God does appear to be crushing him. If this is a contest of strength, only God can win. If Job tried to confess his innocence his own mouth would let him down. Job knows he is blameless and hates his current life.

Job goes on to say that God is able to bring disaster and death to the innocent and to the wicked and God mocks that calamity…. or does God? Has the earth been given into the hand of the wicked? Are God’s eyes covered? And if it isn’t God doing this, who is?

1 John 2: 18 – 29

The writer encourages the Christians to stay firm and know that their baptism in Christ enables them to discern the truth. Those who say things against Christ, even if they were previously member of the church are false. We are to remember the message that we will abide in Jesus and in the Father. The writer encourages us all to continue abiding in Christ.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Female Bowerbird
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

Holy and merciful God, you know the condition of the world and the characteristics of every human heart. You know that terror and pain, oppression and sickness, injustice and poverty are part of our daily lives. Be with us this night. Help us to stand firm in our faith and to abide in you no matter the turmoil that may surround us for we know you are the one almighty power in whom we can trust through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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