21 September 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 21 September 2016 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 50

Almighty God who rules over the entire planet rebukes the people and explains that God does not need sacrifices of animals. God already owns all the creatures and plants of the earth. God instead requires thanksgiving and praise.

For those who do evil, slander others and hate discipline they have no right to recite the commandments.

“Mark this, then you who forget God” (v.23). Those who bring thanksgiving honour God and those who go the right way, God will save.

Nahum 3: 8 – 19

Nineveh is compared to Thebes – itself in ruins at the hands of the Assyrians. The people, the merchants the army, all have fled. Nahum prophecies that no one will regather them, there is no one to lessen the hurt and indeed people are rejoicing since the endless cruelty of the Assyrians is over.

Matthew 7: 6 – 23

Jesus tells us to value the things that are holy and not let them be devalued. We are told to ask for and seek the things we need from God since we would be generous to our children and not trick them if they ask for something. God is more loving and generous.

We are to be active in doing for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a call to generosity. And to restrict yourselves, don’t go for the easy way. Instead accept the challenges of faith. Jesus also warns of false prophets whose character we can see by the outcomes of their work.

We might have gifts of prophecy or casting out demons and say we are doing it in God’s name but unless are doing God’s will we are not God’s people.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Autumn vines
Milawa Vic  L Osburn

Loving God you are with us through all trials and are worthy to be praised and glorified. Guide us today to value the holy moments, to grasp them preciously and not toss them aside: to recognise them and thank you. In those moments when you break through into our lives remind us to be generous and to hold to our faith so that we do your will and are your people through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Wednesday 21 September 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 119: 41 – 64

The earth is full of God’s steadfast love and the psalmist wants to be taught and affirmed and encouraged in understanding and living by God’s statutes. Through this the psalmist will have the words to say to those who taunt and the confidence to give testimony to kings. The psalmist identifies all the ways the commandments and statutes of the Lord enrich life.

1 Maccabees 2: 1 – 28

Mattathias a priest and his 5 sons go to Modein and mourn the profaning of the temple in Jerusalem by the Greeks who are forcing everyone to give up their beliefs and worship the Greek gods. The King’s officers came and tried to bribe Mattathias into apostasy. Another Jew goes forward to offer a sacrifice. Mattathias is enraged with zeal and kills the Jew and the King’s officer. He and calls all those faithful to the law to come with him into the hills.

Ephesians 5: 6 – 20

Paul warns to stay away from deceivers and live instead as children of light – seeking what is pleasing to God. Shine a light on darkness and expose it: awake, rise and let Christ shine in you!

Live your life wisely making the most of your time. Sing hymns and spiritual songs. Make melody, lift up your hearts at all times giving thanks to God in the name of Jesus.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Grevillea
The Abbey Benedictine Community
Jamberoo NSW  L Osburn

O God, who gives us courage and faith, strengthen us to rally in difficult times like people behind your great banner. Help us to stand, to sing and make a joyful melody to you so that we shine your light into the darkness of this world and expose everything to your loving and healing gaze through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.