19 September 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 19 September 2016 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 45

This is an ode to a king’s wedding full of praise and descriptions of beauty, strength and wealth. The song calls to the princess bride to leave her people, bow to the king and receive the gifts of the kingdom.

Nahum 1: 15 – 2: 9

Nahum describes the sacking of Nineveh by other forces that destroy every thing in the city, plunder its wealth and take the women as slaves. Nahum claims that this is the Lord’s work restoring the majesty of northern and southern Israel.

Matthew 6: 16 – 24

Fasting, needs to be a private thing not to be boasted about or advertised. Make yourself look great and not suffering.

Focusing on material goods is not as helpful as focus on storing treasures in heaven. Material things are destroyed and fade.

Having divided loyalties – trying to serve two masters will lead to hating one of them. For example we cannot serve God and wealth.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The Old Wall
New Norcia WA Benedictine Community
L Osburn

Almighty God you are the source of good news, all lasting beauty, strength and wealth. Your kingdom is beyond measure. Be with us in our varied circumstances in the world: as looking to new leaders, as refugees or as developing people of faith. Help us to take stock today: to leave the old behind and with joy be restored to you and be part of your kingdom through the power of your Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Monday 19 September 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 46 and 47

God is our strength and refuge and we are to be in awe of him: to be still and know that God is God.

The second psalm is a joyous song of praise beginning with clapping our hands. Our God is awesome ruler of everything, shielding us. God is to be exalted.

2 Maccabees 7: 1 – 19

This portion tells of the grotesque torture of seven sons of one woman because the family refuse to eat pork or renounce their beliefs. Each son dies in humility and courage explaining that everything they are came from God. They understand that the invasion is because the people have rebelled and they know they will be restored. But those ordering this torture are only powerful now, it will pass and they will face God.

Ephesians 4: 17 – 28

Paul encourages the Christians to step away from pagan rituals and practices – they are futile.  We are taught to put away our former lives, be renewed in the spirit and make our presence according to the likeness of God (put on the characteristics of God like clothes). We are to speak the truth. We may be angry but we are to resolve it before nightfall and not sin and not let things fester so that the get out of hand. Don’t steal, work honestly and have something to give to the poor.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Moon on Lake Mulwala
NSW  L Osburn

Holy God who loves us, you know by direct experience what humans can do to each other. Shine your light on our world. Bring your freedom, liberty and truth to our lives so that we speak the truth, resolve our differences, deal honestly with each other and support those in need to your glory, praise and honour through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.