21 October 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Wednesday 21
October 2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalms
121, 122 and 123
In
these three psalms the themes are the eternal faithfulness of God and how God
cares for us; the joy and gladness we experience as we enter the house of the
Lord with a prayer for safety and peace in Jerusalem, and finally, a prayer for
deliverance from those who ridicule and oppress us.
2 Kings 6: 24 – 7: 2
Another king of Aram lays
siege in Samaria and a great famine results. Prices are astronomical. The King
of Israel hears how two mothers conspire to kill their children for food. The
first does and both women eat. The second hides her child. The King tears his
clothes and everyone can see underneath he wears sackcloth. The King blames
Elisha and wants his head. Elisha prophesies this and secures the doors. The
King’s man arrives followed by the King. The king says, “This trouble has come
from the Lord! Why should I hope in the Lord any longer?” (v.33). Elisha says
that the very next day, choice meal and barley will be sold for a shekel at the
city gates. The man doubts says that even if God made windows in the sky could
such a thing happen? Elisha says it will, but the man will not get to eat any.
Matthew
16: 1 – 12
Pharisees
and Sadducees come to test Jesus and ask for a sign. Jesus says they can
already predict by watching natural events so can themselves read the “signs of
the times”. He will only give them the sign of Jonah. Jonah walked through
Nineveh telling them to repent and through him the whole city was saved –
another nation a non-Jewish people.
When Jesus and the
disciples are away Jesus says to them to watch out for the “yeast of the
Pharisees and Sadducees”. They think he is talking about bread making. He
reminds them of the feeding of the many. Finally the disciples understand he is
talking about the small wrong ideas of the Pharisees and Sadducees that can
undermine faith.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Red sunrise - threatening rain Lake Mulwala NSW E Byford |
Holy and gracious God you care so much for us
that you have given us the opportunity of repentance, the gift of faith and you
have already delivered salvation through Christ. In times of trouble,
desperation and lack of good leadership when there are killings, disbelief and
no peace, help us come directly to you. Enable us to express our doubts, to
express our fears and help us to remember the sign that saved a city, “Repent”, so that we may feel the joy and gladness that comes from connection with you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power
of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Wednesday
21 October 2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalm
119: 129 – 152
The psalmist
declares a passion for the scripture and the commandments. There is a request to learn and know them
better. There too is recognition that others do not share this zeal and that
leads to persecution. There is a plea to be saved from harm.
Job 39: 13 – 30
God continues to question
Job. Does Job understand and control the actions of the ostrich and the way it
leaves its eggs on the ground? Does Job give the horse its might, power and
responsiveness in battle? Does Job make the hawk soar or the eagle to nest so high
and how it cares for its young?
1 Peter 3: 17 – 4: 2
Peter reminds us that it is better
to suffer for doing good than evil. He recalls Christ’s death and resurrection
and how his death set others free – everyone – for all time. As the flood
washed away people so our sins are washed away (not like dirt but deep in our
conscience). This same Christ is with God and all powers and authorities are
subject to Christ.
Since Christ suffered in the
flesh, let us put aside our human desires and seek God first.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Red Sunset - fair weather Rutherglen Vic L Osburn |
Holy, loving God you have created everything and know
each one of us deeply. Help us in the quiet of this evening to bring our cares
to you and rededicate our lives to your service set free through Christ’s death
and resurrection so that our zeal is focused and brings glory to you through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our
hearts. Amen.
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