20 October 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Tuesday 20 October
2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalms
114 and 115
First,
the psalmist recalls the exodus and crossing of the sea and the Jordan: that
the natural world moved and changed to suit God’s purpose. The second psalm
starts praising God for faithful and constant expression of love. The psalmist
ridicules the idol-makers who like their idols may have the physical senses
(eyes, ears, noses…) but make no use of them. God is contrasted as a sensing
and active presence worthy to be trusted. The psalmist blesses the hearer of
the psalm.
2 Kings 6: 8 – 23
The King of Aram at war
with Israel decides where to attack. Elisha however warns the King of Israel.
The King of Aram seeks out the leak and is told Elisha the prophet is the
source. Elisha is in Dothan. They send and army and surround the city. Elisha’s
attendant sees the city surrounded in the morning. Elisha tells him not to
worry and that there are more warriors with Elisha than with this army. Elisha
prays that the attendant’s eyes be opened. The attendant perceives that the
mountain is full of horses and chariots of fire.
As the Arameans begin the
assault Elisha prays that they be struck with blindness. Elisha tells them this
is not the way, this is not the city they seek and leads the army to another
place in Samaria. When they arrive Elisha prays that their eyes be opened. The
King of Israel asks should he kill them. Elisha responds, no feed them and send
them back to their master. They do so, go home and the war ceases.
Matthew
15: 21 – 39
Jesus
encounters a Canaanite woman, not Jewish, who calls to him to heal her daughter
tormented by a demon. Initially Jesus ignores her. Then explains he was sent to
the Jewish people – he is for them – it would be like giving their food to
dogs. She counters by saying that even dogs are permitted to eat scraps. Jesus
recognises her faith, heals the daughter and understands that his mission is
not to the Jews but to the entire world.
Great
crowds follow him. He heals the sick, lame and frail. He has compassion for
them seeing they have been with him three days with no food. The disciples have
7 loaves and some fish. Jesus blesses and breaks the food that is distributed
to 4000 people and the uncounted women and children. Seven baskets of food
remained – more than enough scraps.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
 |
| Dawn Broken Hill L Osburn |
Tuesday 20 October
2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalms
116 and 117
The
first psalm gives thanks to God for healing. Even when he is profoundly
depressed the psalmist trusts in God. The second psalm is a global call to
praise God.
Job 38: 39 – 39: 12
God’s response to Job
continues asking can Job know about all the wild animals and their needs: their
dwelling places? Can he tame wild oxen so that they will work to make furrows
and harrows and thresh?
1 Peter 3: 8 – 16
Peter asks us to have “a unity of
spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart and a humble mind”
(v.8). We are to repay evil and abuse with a blessing: speak no evil or deceit.
Instead do good things and pursue peace. We are unlikely to be harmed for good
conduct and even if we are, we are blessed. We are not to allow ourselves to be
intimidated and we are to have no fear. We are to always be ready to make our
defence of what we believe and to do it gently and with reverence.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
 |
| End of the day Blackwood River WA L Osburn |
Holy and merciful God we give you thanks and praise
for your healing love. You heal our bodies our minds and our souls. Keep us in
this knowledge so that we may rest, bless you, bless our lives and challenges, and
come into your awesome, powerful and loving presence through Jesus Christ your
Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.
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