9 November 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 9 November 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 22: 1 – 22

This portion of the psalm is a solemn prayer for deliverance from a dreadful illness. It is an illness that has detractors circling the psalmist. The psalmist feels alone and separated from God but is reminded of all the times God was there in the past for the Israelites. The psalmist is humble, asks to be saved not just from the illness but also from any temptation.

2 Kings 15: 23 – 38

This section continues reporting on the succession of Kings in Israel and Judah. In Israel, the kings continue evil practices. The succession is: King Pekahiah followed by Pekah his army captain who conspires against him and takes the kingdom. He resigns 22 years and Assyrians take away people and territory. Hoshea conspires against Pekah and takes over.

In Judah, (in the second year of King Pekah of Israel’s reign) the son of Uzziah, Jotham becomes king.  His mother is a daughter of Zadok the priest. He is faithful except he too does not remove the high places where people are making offerings and sacrificing. He builds the upper gate of Jerusalem. The kings of Aram and Israel battle against him. When Jotham dies his son Ahaz succeeds him.

Matthew 22: 34 – 46

The Pharisees ask Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus replies, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hand all the law and the prophets” (vv. 37 – 40).

In return Jesus asks them what they think of the Messiah and whose son is he? They reply – the son of David. Then Jesus asks if that is so, why does David say, “The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet”? (v. 44). No one is able to give him an answer and they cease asking questions.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The dogwood in flower
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

 God of deliverance and love, you bring protection and salvation to your faithful people. Be with us in all we do this day. Protect us and strengthen us so that we are secure and confident to do your will unconcerned by temptations, illness, enemies or critics in peace and love, hope and faith through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Monday 9 November 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 22: 23 – 32 and 23

The second section of the psalm, calls for all people who respect and honour God to give praise, glorify and stand in awe! God has delivered the psalmist from deadly illness and this evidence shows that all God’s promises are secure. The Lord rules in all places and future generations will continue God’s praise.

This is the well-known 23^rd Psalm. The Lord is compared to a shepherd who makes sure the sheep are well pastured, have clean water, are at peace and have nothing to fear. God makes us holy (anoints us) and gives us good things our whole life long even in the valley of the shadow of death and in the presence of enemies.

Esther 9: 1 – 19

Since the first edict of the King written by Haman is still to be enacted and the second written by Mordechai also is to be actioned, the Jews gather and fiercely fight back against their persecutors. Tens of thousands die but there is no plundering.

The King asks Esther whether there is anything else she wants. She answers that since Haman was based in Susa that the town should be given one more day of defending and that Haman’s sons be hanged. This is done.

On the third day the Jewish people celebrate.

Revelation 3: 1 – 6

John is instructed by Christ to write a fifth letter this time to Sardis. The letter is to tell them that their works are known, they seem to be doing things but actually they are spiritually dead. They are to wake up and strengthen the remnants of their belief. They are to remember what they heard – the gospel – obey it and repent. There are some in Sardis who are faithful and they will walk with Christ and be saved. If the others conquer themselves like the worthy ones they too will be saved.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Sulphur crested cockatoo surfing the wind
Lake Mulwala NSW L Osburn

Holy Lord you are the great coach! There are times when we need to trust you and be saved and times when you need us to get up, stand up and take action – to counter influences that are not in line with your will. In the quiet of this night help us come to you penitent and open to the insights we need so that tomorrow refreshed and rested we may take action to strengthen the remnants of our belief and walk the rest of our lives with Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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