26 January 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 26 January 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 65 and 70

Psalm 65 is a glorious hymn of praise to God, who forgives us, saves us, satisfies our souls and creates the world and everything in it. In particular it gives praise for the food we receive at harvest time.

Psalm 70 is a plea for help in time of urgent need. It asks for those who seek harm to be confused and turned back and those who seek God to rejoice and give praise.

Jeremiah 8: 18 – 9: 11

Jeremiah is depressed and grieving. The people continue to provoke God with idol worship. They have not turned to God following the harvest. There is no doctor to heal them. Jeremiah wants to weep all day long or find some safe haven in the wilderness, leave the people there and go away from them. There is falsehood, deceit, hypocrisy in the people and they refuse to come to God. Jerusalem will be made a heap of ruins and the towns of Judah will be desolate.

Luke 1: 13 – 25

The angel tells Zechariah not to be afraid, that his prayers have been heard and his wife shall have a son. The boy is to be called John and will have the Holy Spirit in him. He is not to consume alcohol and he will turn many of the people to God. Zechariah asks how he will know this is true. The angel says his name, Gabriel, and tells Zechariah that because he doubts, he will be mute until the child is born. Zechariah comes out of the sanctuary, clearly he has seen a vision, is unable to speak and returns home. Elizabeth conceives and praises God.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Queensland from the air
L Osburn

 God of action, in scripture you show us your how you work with your people in the real world in our own efforts and sometimes through miracles. Keep our hearts and minds open to you, your words to us and your action in our daily lives so that we, recognising you, may give you thanks and praise and be energised to do your work in this world you love through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday 26 January 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 66

A great song of praise to God: “Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth” (v 1).  The psalmist lists the gifts of God and particularly that prayers are answered. God is a God of steadfast love.

Genesis 14: (1 – 7) 8 – 24

There is an alliance of four eastern kings who take all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah and also take Lot into captivity. An escapee reports to Abram who gathers 318 fighters who successfully pursue the invaders, retrieve Lot and all the goods looted from the cities. Kin Melchizedek of Salem blesses Abram in the name of the God Most High. Abram returns everything except what his men have eaten and fair payment for them.

James 2: 14 – 26

James says that faith without works cannot save. Even demons believe in God. We need to demonstrate our faith by our actions in the world and keep our faith alive.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Repairing the deck
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

God of balance and commitment you show us that action and worship, faith and deeds go together. As we reflect on today, help us recall the times we acted in faith so that we may be strengthened and encouraged in our efforts and energised by your spirit to act again for your glory in the days to come through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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