9 October 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 9 October 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 89: 39 - 53

The psalm is about a descendant of David for whom there has been losses in battle, destruction of the city and removal of the office of King. It laments the withdrawal of the support and protection of God. This is an appeal to God to remember the promises to David. He ends by blessing God forever.

1 Kings 22: 29 – 53

King Ahab and King Jeshosophat go to battle against the Arameans. The King of Aram directs his chariot captains to only fight against the King of Israel. Ahab however, is in disguise. Only Jehosophat wears robes. Initially the chariots come for Jehosophat but soon retreat once they realise this is the wrong man. A stray arrow from the battle mortally wounds King Ahab. Once he is dead, all the army returns home.

King Jehosophat reigns in Judah and over Edom. He builds and launches ships for trade –unfortunately they are wrecked. He stays faithful to God, but does not stop sacrifices and incense at the high places. His son Jehoram succeeds him. Meanwhile in Israel Ahazia, son of Ahab rules for 2 years and worships Baal thus provoking God.

Matthew 12: 22 – 37

Jesus heals a person who is blind and mute so that he can see and speak. Some Pharisees accuse Jesus of being in league with the devil since he orders demons out of people. But, it is not in the devil’s interest to have his kingdom divided against itself; under whose power do their own exorcist’s work? They can accept that their own exorcists are also evil or accept that the Kingdom of God is with them now. Jesus’ power is stronger than the one keeping the demon in. So it follows that anyone who isn’t with Jesus is against Him.

He accepts that humans will say derogatory things about Him but they are not to do so about the Holy Spirit – now or in the future.

Jesus challenges the Pharisees to decide whether He is good and all that comes from Him is good or decide He is bad and that all that comes from Him is bad. He then shows that since dreadful things comes out of their mouths they are bad to the core. People who are good inside produce good words and it is by our words – what we produce, we will be judged.

Collect for Morning Prayer

First bloom
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

Holy and gracious God, you have promised to love us and through Christ you heal, restore and protect us with a power greater than we can imagine. Help us today to listen to you and to step away from pointless, losing battles and from poor and deceitful logic so that we faithfully return to you. Help us produce good words, thoughts and deeds out of your immense goodness through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday 9 October 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 91

This psalm is one of reassurance and comfort about the care and protection the faithful have from God. “For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (v.11)”. This is a reminder of God’s loving protection and deliverance to those who call for salvation.

Job 33: 19 – 33

Elihu continues saying that God can bring people to pain and wasting away but an angel may intercede and ask God to spare the person. A ransom may be found and given. The person sings and recognises the sin, admits it and repents. God will do this more than once. Elihu asks Job to listen.

Philemon 1 – 14

Paul sends this letter with Onesimus who was a slave and had left. Paul attests to Onesimus’s usefulness and asks that Philemon welcome Onesimus. Paul wanted to keep Onesimus but instead sends him back for Philemon to make a decision.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Arid zone gums at sunset
Eucla WA L Osburn

Holy, gracious and loving God it is your decision and yours alone to forgive us our sins. It is your spirit that inclines your people and angels to intercede on our behalf even before we repent. And it is your incredible gift of love that while we were still sinners you sent your Son to be the one to carry our sins and free us eternally. Help us sit now in silent prayer, praise and thanksgiving so that we may reflect on the enormity of your love for us and be at peace through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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