6 November 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 6 November 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 18: 1 – 31

David exuberantly praises the Lord for saving him from death at the hands of his enemies. The images used are like a volcanic eruption. David is ecstatic with what he can do with God’s help. He rejoices utterly in God, the only God: our God.

David understands that how we are affects how we perceive God. If we are loyal, blameless or pure that is how we perceive God. But if we are crooked we will perceive a perverse god.

“This God – God’s way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true” (v.30).

2 Kings 14: 17 – 15: 7

King Amaziah, who was captured, continues to live in Jerusalem. There is a conspiracy against him and though he flees he is murdered and brought back to be buried in Jerusalem. His son Azariah is his successor.

In Israel, Jeroboam the son of Joash is King. He reigns for 41 years and continues the evil practices of his forebears. Jeroboam restores the borders. God therefore protects Israel through Jeroboam. On Jeroboam’s death his son Zechariah is made King.

In the 27^th year of Jeroboam's reign is when Azariah in Judah begins his reign. He reigns 52 years and except for not removing the high places of sacrifice and offerings he is faithful. He contracts leprosy, lives apart from the royal household thus his son Jotham is in charge of the operations of the palace. When Azariah dies Jotham is his successor.

Matthew 22: 1 – 14

Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet. The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who arranges a wedding banquet for his son and invites the honoured guests. They will not come. He sends slaves with the menu to invite them again but they treat it like a joke, go about their lives or mistreat and / or kill the slaves. The king enraged sends troops and destroys the cities of the murderers.

The king tells the slaves to go into the streets and invite anyone – the wedding feast is ready. The slaves gather anyone good or bad so the hall is full. But he notices one person without wedding clothes (these are provided by the host). He asks how did that person get in without proper attire, has him bound and thrown into outer darkness. Jesus ends with “For many are called but few are chosen”.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Crimson Rosellas
The Abbey Benedictine Community
Jamberoo NSW L Osburn

Holy Lord, you love us protect us and by grace you invite us to your great feast. How we are, our identity and our character define how we see you and respond. Through your great mercy help us to be loyal, blameless and pure so that we joyously come to you and happily put on the robes of faith, righteousness and peace you have prepared for us through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday 6 November 2015 

Evening Prayer

Psalm 18: 32 – 38 (39-44) 45 - 52

David continues his great psalm of praise for deliverance from enemies and as the warrior king he had to be. David describes his supremacy in the battle. He is more subdued at the end, blessing God, extoling God’s name, praising God for his steadfast love and care.

Esther 7: 7 – 8: 2

The King full of wrath takes time out and walks in the garden. Haman stays with the Queen begging her to save his life and throws himself on the couch where Esther is reclining. The King enters. “Will you even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?”

Haman’s face is covered. No one wants to look at him. One of the eunuchs draws the King’s attention to the gallows at Haman’s house that was to be used on Mordechai who saved the King’s life. They hang Haman and the King’s anger subsides.

The King gives Esther Haman’s house. Mordechai comes before the King because Esther reveals how she is related to him. The King gives Mordechai the signet ring he had previously given to Haman. Esther puts Mordechai in charge of Haman’s house.

Revelation 2: 12 – 17

John’s third letter is to the church in Pergamum. They live in a place of hostility but are faithful and did not deny their faith even when one of them was killed. But there are some in the community who eat food previously sacrificed to other gods and who are sexually immoral in the name of religion. They are told to repent, or suffer the consequences of the law – a two-edged sword. Those who conquer sin will be fed and have victory and joy.

Collect for Evening Prayer

In action
Harrietville L Osburn
[Ms Molly Jones of Uranquinty: Groodle]

Honest and reliable God of truth, you help us see that there are real enemies: people, ideas and practices and you provide us with the strength, wit and skill to take action with your support. Give us rest this night so that tomorrow we may use all the gifts you have given us in your service to build communities that love and worship you in safety and peace through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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