18 March 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Friday 18 March 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalms 41 and 44: 1 - 9
The psalmist is sick.
Illness was seen in the past as punishment for sin. Enemies hope the psalmist
will die but come and visit being pleasant, then make plots when they leave.
Even the psalmist’s best friend has turned his back. The psalmist prays for
healing, restoration and vindication. God is blessed.
This portion of the second
psalm reminds us of God’s actions in nation building and protecting the people
in wars. They do not go into battle trusting in their own abilities but in God.
And yet, now they have suffered a defeat.
Jeremiah
43
The
“insolent men” accuse Jeremiah of lying and of being influenced to allow the
Babylonians to kills the remnant people in Judah. The whole group with Jeremiah
and Baruch go to Egypt. On arrival God instructs Jeremiah to take large stones
and bury them under Pharaoh’s pavement. He is told to prophesy that King
Nebuchadrezzar will come and set up his canopy and throne above these stones
and bring destruction and pestilence and death to Egypt. He will sack Egypt.
Matthew
23: 27 – 24:2
Jesus
continues his condemnation of the hypocritical Pharisees and scribes who look
righteous on the outside but are corrupt ion the inside. They say that they
would not have rejected the prophets if they came today. They set up rules so
that the prophets will continue to be rejected. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. He
prophesies its destruction.
Collect for Morning Prayer
Beach looking towards Antarctica Cape Le Grand National Park WA E Byford |
God of glory and God of might you
made everything and you gave us the power to observe, to think and to make
decisions. Guide our decisions today. Help us to discern your will and your
purpose in our lives so that we too can positively contribute to your glory
through Jesus Christ our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Friday 18 March 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalm 44: 10 – 27
In this psalm there has
been a great defeat. The people are scattered, enslaved, had everything taken
and destroyed. They are humiliated, derided, taunted, reviled and disgraced.
But they do not forget God’s promise or turn their hearts away. If they had,
would not God discover it? God knows our heart’s secrets. The psalmist ends
with a call to God to rise, to come to our aid and redeem us through steadfast
love.
Exodus
10: 1 – 20
Moses
and Aaron go to Pharaoh again. The next plague will be locusts. Some of
Pharaoh’s court counsel to let the Israelites go and worship else the whole
country will be ruined. Pharaoh says yes then asks, “Who will go?” When Moses
says everyone young and old and their flocks Pharaoh becomes suspicious and
says he will only let the men go. Moses leaves then raises this staff and the
greatest plague of locusts descends on the country. Pharaoh calls Moses,
repents and agrees that the Israelites can go. As soon as Moses raises his
staff again and the locusts leave Pharaoh recants. His heart is hardened.
Colossians
1: 18 – 23
Christ
is the beginning of all things, the head of the church and the one through whom
reconciliation with God was made possible for all.
Collect for Evening Prayer
The tree house Gloucester Tree Pemberton WA E Byford |
Great God of justice, when there are
people with hardened hearts and minds, yours is the battle and yours is the
victory. You are the creator of everything visible and invisible including
great powers. Give us grace to sing your praises and to trust in you so that we
demonstrate our faithfulness and your reconciling peace through Jesus Christ or
Redeemer and saviour. Amen.
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Just the prayers: #morningeveningprayers
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