19 October 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 19 October 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 110 and 111

The first psalm is David, who talks of his Lord being one who sits beside God, who defeats the enemies of God, whose rule extends beyond Zion and who, on coronation has priest privileges in the most ancient order of priests.

The second praises God for great deeds, honour, majesty, enduring righteousness and mercy. God has sent us redemption. Respecting God is the beginning of wisdom.

2 Kings 5: 15 – 27 (6: 1 – 7)

Naaman, commander of the Aramian army is now cured of leprosy. He declares that he knows there is only one God. He offers to pay Elisha. Elisha refuses. Naaman then asks for some earth so that no sacrifice is done except to God. Elisha agrees. Naaman also asks for pardon since he will be required to assist his king going to sacrifice to Rimmon. Elisha grants him pardon.

But Gehazi, Elisha’s servant follows Naaman after her leaves and spins a tale so that he is given 2 talents of silver and 2 changes of clothing. On his return Elisha asks where he has been. Gehazi lies. Elisha tells him this is no time to accept money or property and Naaman’s leprosy passes to Gehazi who departs.

The last section tells of the company of prophets wanting a new larger place to live and moving to the Jordan and a minor miracle of Elisha’s when an iron headed axe is lost in the water. Elisha makes it float.

Matthew 15: 1 – 20

Pharisees and scribes approach Jesus asking why his disciples do not wash before eating – it breaks ritual purity laws. Jesus asks why do they break one of the commandments on honouring parents by denying aging parents the wherewithal for life through dedicating that money to the temple. He calls them hypocrites. And quotes scripture on how people honour God with their lips but follow their own constructed laws.  He then says that it is not what goes into people’s mouths that defile them but what comes out of their hearts and mouths and into action.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Morning camellia
Harrietville L Osburn

Loving and compassionate God you have absolved our sins through Christ’s death and resurrection. Keep our hearts and minds full of love for you and for each other so that what we generate is peace and light and love driven action that brings glory to you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Monday 19 October 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 112 and 113

The first psalm proclaims that the righteous and faithful, who give generously and stand firm against fear and opposition, will receive good things and good reputations.

The second psalm praises God especially for responding to those who are humble and poor and bringing them to sit with princes. There is no other god like this.

Job 38: 19 – 38

God continues questioning Job of his knowledge of the origins and path of light, how snow and hail are stored up and released, how the stars stay in their place, how rain and deserts operate and how crops and grasses grow. Can Job speak and make it rain or produce lightning? Can he number the clouds or know how dust becomes a great mass or how mud sticks together?

1 Peter 3: 1 – 7

In this section wives and husbands are charged to love and honour each other. Even if the husband is not a believer, the woman by her demeanour and example may bring the husband to Christ without any need for argument.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Kookaburras organising the new nest
Lake Mulwala L Osburn

Amazing and wonderful God you are beyond our comprehension in greatness and power and glory. Help us to be faithful, calm and loving in all our relationships trusting in you and your power so that we are part of bringing your love and your freedom to others through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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