28 October 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Wednesday 28
October 2015
Morning Prayer
Psalms
143 and 146
The
psalmist is in hiding in a cave and sounds depressed yet, is still reaching out
to God; is still trusting and obedient. “Let me hear of your steadfast love in
the morning for in you I put my trust” (v.8).
The next psalm is one of praise to God who is
trustworthy – more than princes: more than mortals. Our God sets prisoners free
and cares for orphans and widows.
2 Kings 10: 1 – 17
King Ahab had 70 sons who
are in the care of guardians. Jehu writes letters to those responsible for the
governance of the country and asks them to select one of these to be their king
and fight for him. They refuse out of fear since Jehu had killed two kings
himself. Jehu then sends letters that if they are indeed on his side they are
to kill all these sons of Ahab. They do so.
In the morning Jehu tells
the people they are innocent; it was he who conspired against the king, and it
was others who killed the king’s heirs. This fulfils Elijah’s prophecy.
Jehu then meets the
relatives of King Ahaziah of Judah on the road and kills them. He then meets
Jehonadah a Rechabite. He asks whether Jehonahad is prepared to be in alliance.
He is. They proceed to remove all the family of Ahab from Israel. This too
fulfils the prophecy of Elijah.
Matthew
19: 1 – 15
Jesus
is asked about divorce. He says the original intent was that men and women
marry and become one and not be torn apart. The questioners ask why then did
Moses set up a divorce process. Jesus answers, because the people were too hard
hearted – they are not as was initially intended. So, from the creation
perspective it is adultery but from the here and now perspective, not everyone
can accept it. He then talks about eunuchs – some are born that way, some are
made eunuchs and some become so as a devotional act. Not everyone can do this.
People
bring children to Jesus to lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples oppose
this but Jesus welcomes them and says, “it is to such as these that the kingdom
of heaven belongs” (v.14). He lays hands on them and blesses them.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
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| Cannon Albany WA L Osburn |
Wednesday
28 October 2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalm
119: 153 – 176
This portion of the psalm
is a plea for preservation of life from someone who is devout “my soul keeps
your decrees” and who admits going astray.
Esther 1: 13 – 2: 4
King Ahasuerus consults the
sages about what to with the queen. They advise that her disobedience affects
not just the King but will be heard by all women and therefore affects all
families. She is to be looked after but her position as first wife and queen is
to be removed from her. Thus the King makes the decree that all women will give
honour to their husbands.
When his anger subsides the
King’s servants suggest he seek out another queen. They suggest bringing in
young women to the harem, caring for them and teaching them the skills of
presentation (cosmetics etc.) and for the king to choose a queen. This idea pleases
the King
2 Peter 2: 1 – 11
Peter warns of false teachers and
prophets, who will deny key parts of the gospel, oppress and deceive. If God
brought punishment before, and Peter lists key events including punishing
angels, then these false ones will be punished. And as righteous people were
saved in the past so the faithful will be rescued from trial.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
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| On the path Albany WA L Osburn |
Holy and loving God you preserve us and forgive us
even though we have gone astray. Help us to keep reading your word, praying,
listening to your message and bringing our lives before you in reverence all
our days so that we may survive all trials and hold fast to your hand in our
walk through this life through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of
your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.
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