2 March 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Wednesday 2 March 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalms 5 and 6
This first psalm asks for
God to hear the prayers of the victim of harmful lies. God has no time for
wickedness. The psalmist will go to the temple knowing that he too is not yet
righteous and needs help to stay on the path. The psalmist takes the problem to
God and does not retaliate. Instead he asks for all who take refuge in the Lord
to experience joy and protection and exult and bless the Lord.
Debilitating and
terrifying illness has struck the psalmist. It is shaking the psalmist’s faith.
God is asked to lovingly respond. The psalmist stands against evil and
proclaims the Lord’s swift response.
Jeremiah
32: 36 – 33: 9
Jeremiah
experiences more encounters with God who tells him that the city will be
destroyed and it will also eventually be healed. Those in exile will return.
The city shall be united and prosper again.
Luke
16: 1 – 13
This
story of a dishonest steward is used to instruct the disciples that we can use
our possessions to gain not lose our future. We can be shrewd in the management
of the resources for the greater final end – salvation for us and for
many. The second message is that the little
things we do in our communities and do faithfully really do matter.
Collect for Morning Prayer
Old bridge at Avenel Vic L Osburn |
Generous God, you give us what we
need in season. Sometimes that does mean you ask us to wait. Help us to be
competent and skilled stewards of the resources in our care so that we use them
to build a future with you for us and for many and be patient, through Jesus
Christ our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Wednesday 2 March 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalms 7
and 8
In the first psalm,
someone who was an ally has been harmed and the blame is being focused on the
psalmist. The psalmist seeks God’s protection, calls on God to search him out
and judge. The psalmist is also aware that the snares the wicked set can turn
against them. The psalmist is confident in a right relationship with God and is
willing to repent. The psalmist promises to praise God when rescued.
God’s majesty is praised.
Every human sound is praise to God. And the psalmist marvels at that. How is it
that humans have such a special place when we consider the expanse of the
heavens? The psalm ends in awe, wonder and praise.
Genesis
48
Jacob
is about to die and calls Joseph and his sons (Jacob’s grandsons) for a
blessing. He adopts Joseph’s sons as his own and blesses them. He crosses his
hands and so the second born son receives the more potent blessing. He gives
Joseph the territory that includes Shechem.
Hebrews
10: 32 – 39
The
writer reminds people that in the early days of their faith they had hard
times, their possessions were taken, people were injured and imprisoned and still,
they supported each other. They are encouraged to keep the faith and not to shrink
back from God’s saving grace.
Collect for Evening Prayer
Juvenile galahs* Harrietville Vic L Osburn |
Great God of steadfast love, we
thank you for the scriptures and the encouragement we receive from the stories
of those who love you: the people of God. Keep us in your loving embrace and
guide us to live our lives joyfully with thanks and praise to you your Son,
Jesus Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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