14 September 2016
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Wednesday 14
September 2016
Morning
Prayer
Psalm 34
This is a psalm of
thanksgiving and praise and one that teaches people to love and fear the Lord,
to avoid evil and to seek peace. The psalmist teaches, “the Lord redeems the
life of his servants” (v22).
Habakkuk
2: 6 – 17
Habakkuk
directs a series of woes to nations that operation from pride and seek wealth.
Woe to those who plunder; who fortify their houses against contact with people;
who build towns through the suffering of others and who corrupt others.
Habakkuk indicts human tyranny and says that the tables will be turned and God
will be glorified.
Matthew
5: 13 –26
Jesus
says that we are the salt of the earth – we add flavour – but if we become
bland we are useless. We are like a city on a hill and cannot be hidden – we
are obvious to others. We are like lamps and there is no purpose hiding that
lamp. People need to see our actions to have evidence to glorify God.
Jesus
says that the Law remains and his teaching does not change it but fulfils it.
We too by teaching and following the Law will fulfil it. Jesus takes the Law a
step further so that we do not just fulfil the letter of the law but it’s
spirit. Thinking about doing something bad is as wrong as actually doing it. We
need to bring our thoughts in line with the Law not just our actions. We are to
seek reconciliation with people before we seek reconciliation with God.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
The leap Busselton WA L Osburn |
Great God of encouragement, you coach us in how to live and love in your
world. You give us the example of your mercy, love and faithfulness to follow.
Be with us today as we step out in courage, faith and hope. In every action let
your spirit lead us so that we bring our thoughts and deeds in line with your
will and fulfilment of your vision to your glory and praise through Jesus
Christ. Amen.
Wednesday 14
September 2016
Evening
Prayer
Psalm 119: 17 – 40
In this section of the
psalm is the plea to be taught and to be shown how to live out the commandments
daily: how to read and understand scripture. There is a plea for protection
against ridicule or harm by others because of our desire to be with and know
God.
1 Maccabees 1: 41 – 64
Antiochus makes a decree
insisting that there be one religion of idol worship throughout the country.
The temple is desecrated, circumcision forbidden, scriptures burnt, sacrifices
forbidden and violence used against faithful Jews. Great atrocities occur. Many
people stand firm. They prefer to die rather than to eat defiled food or
profane the holy covenant. They die.
Ephesians 2: 11 – 22
Paul says that through Christ we all belong to God and
there is no more distinction between the circumcised and the uncircumcised.
Christ was the sacrifice for us. Through his flesh he joined people from other
nations to the Jewish people. We are all reconciled to God. Through Christ we
are all joined together and become part of the holy temple, the dwelling place
for God across the entire world.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
A place for worship Cape Le Grand National Park WA L Osburn |
Praise to you great and holy Lord. You have made us part of your global
temple comprising people from every nation and your chosen people. Through
Christ we are now reconciled to you and cannot be separated from a place where
we may worship you with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving. Be with us now
as we reflect on this gift and open our hearts to you, blessing you and praying
for your faithful people everywhere so that they too may be liberated and feel
connected to us all and to your love through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please leave a comment or
feedback.
No comments:
Post a Comment