8 October 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Thursday 8 October
2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalm
89: 1 - 18
This
section of the psalm praises God for faithfulness and steadfastness in all
generations, for the creation of the earth and the victory over chaos. Happy
are the people who sing praises and walk in God’s pathway.
1 Kings 22: 1 – 28
There are no wars between
Aram and Israel for 3 years. King Jehosophat of Judah comes to visit King Ahab
of Israel. They discuss going to war together against Aram to reclaim he city
Ramoth-gilead. Jehospohat encourages Ahab to consult the prophets of God first.
400 prophets all say the same thing and promote the success of the battle.
Jehosophat asks whether
there are any other prophets. There is one Miciah who is renowned for not
telling King Ahab what he wants to hear. Miciah is influenced to say the same
as the others, so he mimics them. Ahab makes him swear to tell the truth of
what God says. Miciah says his vision sees the troops without a master going
home peacefully. Ahab complains to Jehosophat that this is what Miciah does –
always prophesies against the king.
Miciah goes on to say that
the Lord has put a lying spirit in all the prophets to entice Ahab into battle.
One of the other prophets slaps Miciah ridiculing him. Miciah replies that he
will know the truth when he has to hide. Ahab puts Miciah in prison on reduced
rations in the custody of one of his sons until he returns in peace. Miciah answers, “If you
return in peace The Lord has not spoken by me” (v. 28).
Matthew
12: 9 – 21
Jesus
heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, When questioned he says people
are more precious than sheep and any of us would rescue a trapped sheep on the
Sabbath. The Pharisees conspire to destroy Jesus. He leaves, although followed
by crowds he cures them and appeals to them to stay quiet. Jesus will be the
hope to all nations.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Cycling solo Eyre Highway SA L Osburn |
Holy Lord we give you thanks for your faithful people
of every age who were prepared to stand up and be counted and to faithfully
represent you. Mostly we give thanks for your Son whose life and death and
resurrection gives hope to people of every nation. Be with us in all we do
today so that we may grow in faithfulness and steadfastness just as you are faithful
and steadfast with us through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of
your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thursday 8 October
2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalm
89: 19 – 38
This
section of the psalm states the unalterable covenant with David and his line forever
even if the children violate God’s laws, the relationship with David will
continue.
Verse
38 changes and says “But now … you are full of wrath against your anointed”.
Job 33: 1 – 18
Elihu continues by saying
that he too is made by God’s spirit and is just a man – nothing to be feared.
He asserts that he has heard Job state his innocence and say that God has
counted him as an enemy. Elihu says God is greater than humans. He asks Job,
why set yourself up against God? Elihu challenges Job’s statement that God will
not answer saying, we know God does speak and we fail to perceive it and that
God communicates while we sleep and gives us visions and opens our ears to
warnings so that we can be kept from total death.
Colossians 4: 7 – 18
Paul offers his final greetings
and grace to the Colossians recommending the disciples who are bringing the
letter and reminding them that they are in everyone’s prayers particularly
Epaphras – who is one of their people. Paul asks his chains to be remembered.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Heavy hauling across a continent Eyre Highway Nullarbor WA L Osburn |
Holy Lord we thank you for being with us through the long
haul and through the dark times of trouble and pain. When we are in strife,
when we are deathly ill and when we are imprisoned you are there. Open our
hearts and minds and souls to you so that we may perceive your message of love, see the visions you need us to see, heed your warnings and proceed in faithful
hope to do your will through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of
your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.
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