Tuesday 20 October 2015

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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