23 February 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 23 February 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 124, 125 and 126

If it had not been for the Lord the enemy forces would have attacked and overwhelmed us like a flood. Blessed be the Lord. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Those who trust in God shall never be moved. God will surround and support us. The psalmist prays for blessing on the faithful and that evil be kept away from us.

When we are restored we are full of joy and praise and others notice that our God has done great things for us. So we ask to be restored, that those in tears reap joy and those who weep and sow seeds come back with an abundant harvest.

Jeremiah 29: 24 – 30: 9

The high priest receives a letter of complaint from Babylon that demands punishment for Jeremiah. The return letter condemns Shemaiah  (the author in Babylon) and prophesies that his family will not be part of the group who returns.

In the next section God instructs Jeremiah to write a book and this begins the recording of the consolations. The first is freedom from oppression and that there will be a king from the Davidic line.

Luke 13: 1 – 9

Jesus talks about people who suffered violent and sudden deaths. He encourages people to repent. He then tells the parable of the fig tree. If it is not bearing fruit it needs to be ripped out but the caring gardener will nurture it one more season, if it fruits it will remain in the garden.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Home grown tomatoes
Armadale WA  L Osburn

Almighty God, this is your world and you made it. Some of us are ill, injured, victims of violence or political strife and exile and natural disasters. We turn to you and put our trust in you. You ask us to take the risk, to nurture each other, to start again and watch your fruit grow in us. Help us today Lord, no matter what comes our way to trust you, to nurture and love each other so that we may bear fruit through Jesus Christ our Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday 23 February 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 127, 128 and 129

Unless the Lord is with us in what we do, our labour is in vain. Rising early, working late and being anxious about things are not part of God’s plan.

Those who walk with God are blessed to have the freedom to eat our own produce, prosperity sufficient for women to be creative and children to flourish. It is a blessing to see our grandchildren.

God has preserved us from all assaults in the past. The psalmist asks that those who are enemies of God not prevail.

Genesis 43: 15 – 34

The brothers arrive in Egypt. Joseph is informed and prepares a feast at his own home. The brothers are invited there and are suspicious. They tell Joseph’s steward about the return of the money. He says, “It must be the providence of your God because I received payment for the grain we gave you”.

Joseph is overcome when he sees Benjamin but does not reveal his identity.  They feast.

Hebrews 7: 26 – 8: 6

Jesus is the great high priest in the ultimate temple. He is the mediator of a “better covenant” (v 6).

Collect for Evening Prayer

We are invited
St Saviour's Anglican Church Gladstone Qld
L Osburn

Caring God, you know our circumstances and you love us. You know some of us feel far from you and despairing, others are afraid and suspicious due to our circumstances yet you invite us to your feast. You have given us your own son as mediator. Help us confidently rest in you this night, knowing that Jesus is with you as our great high priest, we can bring our concerns directly to you through Him our Lord and saviour. Amen.

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