1 October 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 1 October 2016 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 74

This psalm is one of community lament.  Enemies have come and destroyed the city, the temple and everything that gives identity to the people. An appeal is made to God using stories of creation and provision for the people. The enemy ridicules and the soul of the people is at risk of being destroyed. The psalmist asks to Lord to rise up for the people’s sake.

Ezra 4: 11 – 5: 2

The letter sent by the people of the land to Artazerxes the King of Persia is replicated warning the King that when Jerusalem is rebuilt he will lose revenue and lose control of the land beyond the river. It recommends he consult the records to see how this city rebelled in the past. The King responds with thanks and decrees that all rebuilding should cease. The message is hurriedly taken to Jerusalem and all work ceases until the reign of King Darius of Persia. Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesy to the Jews and the sons of those who started the rebuilding begin it again.

Matthew 10: 28 – 42

“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (v.28). We are all precious and valuable. Everyone who acknowledges Jesus will be recognised by Jesus before God. Again Jesus tells us the path will not be easy. We need to put Jesus before all other concerns and this will cause dissension in families. We are to love our family members but not more than we love Jesus. Whoever loves something else more than Jesus though they gain it will lose their life with God and those who lose everything for Jesus will gain life. If people in Jesus’ name welcome us then God is welcomed too. And whoever is hospitable to a new believer, someone who has welcomed another in Jesus’ name, will be rewarded.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Bogged - Stuck!
Mulwala NSW  L Osburn

Saving and generous God, you gave us your Son so that we may be saved. Give us courage and patience through times of trial to never lose our love for you and to keep building your people of faith through love so that when the time is right your kingdom will blossom and flourish through Jesus Christ who died for us. Amen.

Saturday 1 October 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 75 and 76

The first psalm begins with praise and moves on to describe God as judge: putting down the boastful wicked and lifting up the righteous.

In second psalm God is portrayed as a mighty warrior who protects the poor and oppressed against foes, even armies of nations. Kneeling in thanks and praise to God is the only role for human wrath.

1 Maccabees 6: 18 –47

The Maccabees and their supporters are being pushed back and hemmed around the sanctuary. Judas Maccabeus resolves to fight back. He builds siege towers and starts to gain position. The people who were not faithful to God appeal to the King and a mighty army with elephants fight the Maccabees in battle. The Maccabees retreat.

Colossians 2: 16 – 23

Paul counsels the people to focus on the core of our belief and not to get caught up in rules about what to eat, drink, festivals, new moons or anything but to see that these are human generated rules that will pass, and none of them are successful in treating self-indulgence. The most important thing is that the substance, our substance belongs to Christ.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Taking a moment by the irrigation canal
Boomanoomana NSW L Osburn

Holy God our great teacher and friend, you have given us the stories and examples of people besieged and contrast that with the freedom that comes for centring our lives on you. Give us your grace and peace to take a moment and re-centre, re-focus so that we may banish self-indulgence and grow in love and faith to serve you all the days of our lives through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.