11 March 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Friday 11 March 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalms 28 and 29
In the first psalm, the
there is an appeal to not be like people who don’t believe and / or those who
are deceitful. The psalmist changes focus and reminds us how big and powerful
God is who saves and shepherds the people forever.
The next psalm picks up
this theme on the almighty power of God just by whose voice water, forests,
mountains and fire dance or whirl. The Lord’s power brings people confidence
and peace.
Jeremiah
38: 14 – 28
Zedekiah
has a private conversation with Jeremiah at the temple. He promises not to kill
Jeremiah and wants to know the prophecy. Zedekiah tells Jeremiah his
fears. Jeremiah is clear and reassures
Zedekiah that if he surrenders to the Chaldeans he will live. If not, he will
die, the women and children will be led out to the invading army and Jerusalem
will burn. Zedekiah knows Jeremiah will be questioned about the conversation so
they set up a cover story. Jeremiah is questioned. The cover story is plausible
so he is safe. Jeremiah remains in the court of the king’s guard.
Luke
19: 11 – 27
Jesus
is on his way to Jerusalem, some hope to be crowned King, but he is not. He
tells part of the parable to help them understand he will instead go away and
return some time in the future, as the King and judgement will come to those
who reject God. The second part of the parable is for those who are faithful,
to get on with building the Kingdom and doing the work. Doing it cautiously is
fine. Doing nothing is not acceptable.
Collect for Morning Prayer
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| To a retreat cabin The Abbey Benedictine Community Jamberoo NSW L Osburn |
Friday 11 March 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalms 30 and 32
The first psalm is of
praise and thanksgiving for healing and prayers answered.
The second psalm begins
telling us how happy are those whose sins are forgiven. The psalmist recounts
how he was unwell and until he acknowledged his sins and confessed. Healing
began. He encourages all to offer prayer when distressed and warns us not to be
stubborn about it. Steadfast love
surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
Exodus
4: 27 – 6: 1
Moses
and Aaron ask Pharaoh for the Hebrews to be allowed three days off to worship
God. This is denied. I instead Pharaoh increases the workload of the Hebrews –
they have to source the straw as well as make the bricks and still keep their
production at the same level.
The
oppression is great and the supervisors complain to Pharaoh who calls them
lazy. They complain to Moses who asks God. God reasserts that the Hebrews will
be freed and Pharaoh’s behaviour means that God’s hand will be revealed.
Hebrews
13: 7 – 17
The
writer encourages the people to focus on Christ as the teacher and guide for
their lives. He says not to worry about dietary laws since we are fed by grace.
We are to know that Christ was the sacrifice and to not get caught up in
rituals. Our sacrifice is one of praise to God, is confession of belief in God and,
is to do good to others and share what we have.
Collect for Evening Prayer
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| Refreshed The Abbey Benedictine Community Jamberoo NSW L Osburn |
Saving
God time and time again you have saved us from all sorts of trouble. You have
also shown us that sometimes, when people’s hearts are hard, that is an
opportunity for your greatness to shine through. We thank you for the gifts of
today and ask that we be refreshed this evening so that we may continually sing
to your praise and glory through Jesus Christ and the power of your Holy
Spirit. Amen.
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