25 February 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 25 February 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 135

This psalm is a song of praise and thanksgiving to God. Calls upon the priestly tribes of Israel to praise the Lord.

There is a warning too, those who follow the idols of silver and gold will be like them: have eyes yet not see, have ears yet not hear have mouths yet not breath.

Jeremiah 31: 1 – 14

The promise that God will bring the people who are scattered home and they will be more united than before. God will comfort, gladness and satisfaction.

Luke 13: 22 – 35

In response to a question about who will be saved, Jesus says that the opportunity is there for everyone. It is a demanding path that requires more than a causal interest in Jesus and heaven is available to all. That offer is still open, even after his death.

Some Pharisees come to warn Jesus that Herod wants him killed and that he should flee. Jesus mourns over Jerusalem the city that kills the prophets and stone messengers. He asks, how often has Jesus wanted to gather her people in like a hen gathers her chickens under protective wings? Jesus leaves Jerusalem her house saying he will not return until her people cry, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Collect for Morning Prayer

Creek crossing on the path
Bon Accord Track Alpine National Park
Vic   L Osburn

O Jesus you love us and care for us and have done so from the beginning of time. Be with us every step we take today. Keep us praising you, thanking you, accepting your care, running to you, and sticking by you so that we stay on your path, walk through your open door and receive your great and abundant love. Amen.

Thursday 25 February 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 136

This psalm proclaims God’s greatness and enduring love. Here we praise the overwhelming, overflowing, generosity of God.

Genesis 44: 18 – 34

Judah humbles himself, he approaches Joseph explains the situation of his father’s grief and concern about the loss of Joseph. If Benjamin does not return home it will cause his father to be bereft. Judah informs Joseph that his own life is already a surety for Benjamin and so offers to take Benjamin’s place in prison. If Benjamin does not go home Jacob will die. Judah makes clear his affection for his father.

Hebrews 9: 1 – 10

The writer describes the original sanctuary arrangements. A tent for all the rituals and a second – the holy place- only for the high priest once a year. While we are busy with the business of the first tent ‘the way to the sanctuary has not yet been disclosed” (v 8). Encountering God is not in the busy-ness or rituals. It is something deeper.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Home awaits
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

Loving God, each of us is special to you. You want us to come home to you. Help us to see that coming home is not achieved through focusing on success, wealth acquisition or doing. Help us to make space to be with you and allow you to be with us, through Jesus Christ who was the ransom for our sins. Amen.

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