22 September 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 22 September 2016 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 51

With the psalmist we ask for God’s mercy for sins to be forgiven, transgressions washed away: blotted out. We admit that our sin was against God alone and God’s judgement is justified. Since God desires truth, we ask to be taught wisdom in our secret heart. We want to experience joy and gladness again since our whole being is crushed in recognition of our sin. “Create in me a new heart, O God and put a right spirit within me” (v.10).

Joel 1: 1 – 14

Joel is witness to a devastating locust plague that has destroyed all the crops and fruit production. There is no grain or drink offering for the temple. There is no food or oil produced. He calls for the whole community to lament; for the priests to sanctify a fast and for all to call out to God.

Matthew 7: 24 – 8: 4

Jesus says that when we hear his words and build our lives on them we have a firm foundation, like a house founded on the bedrock – immovable and unshaken. If we hear Jesus’s words and ignore them we have build out lives on flimsy and unsustainable foundations.

Jesus didn’t just teach: he had an unmistakable authority. 

A leper approaches him and says “Lord, if you choose you can make me clean. Jesus replies. “I do choose. Be made clean.” The man is restored and told to present himself and offer the appropriate sacrifices in line with Mosaic law.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Spring Fair in the main street
Wagga Wagga NSW  L Osburn

We rejoice in you O God. You are our eternal stronghold, foundation and generous feast. Your love is so great you gave us your Son to teach us, to heal us and to save us. Lift up our hearts today. Let us sing your praise aloud and silently in all we do so that we deeply acknowledge that you chose. You chose us. Yours is the victory through Jesus Christ who died for us. Amen.

Thursday 22 September 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 52 and 53

In the first psalm a person who trusts riches, seeks refuge in wealth, who is mischievous and plots destruction is warned that God will respond. In comparison those who trust in God are like a green olive tree, trusting in the steadfast love of God and praising God.

The second psalm is about those who do not believe and who do evil. God’s response to them will be terrifying. The psalmist prays for the people to be delivered and for their fortunes to be restored.

1 Maccabees 2: 29 – 48

Many people seeking righteousness and justice escape to the wilderness. The King’s men come against them on the Sabbath, deliberately so. The people, observing the Sabbath faithfully, are slaughtered. Mattathias and his friends decide to fight even on the Sabbath. The Hasideans, a devout group that keep the law join Mattathias. Together they organise an army, strike down sinners, tear down altars to the Greek gods, circumcise boys, hunt down the arrogant and rescue the Law.

Ephesians 5: 21 – 33

Paul counsels love and respect for each other including husbands and wives a deep equality and respect, nourishing and tenderly caring for each other. Just as Christ tenderly loved us and laid down his life for us so we should love each other.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Learning gentle care
Wagga Wagga NSW  L Osburn

Holy Lord, you know our world and all its difficulties and terrors. Make us into your guerrilla fighters armed with your love, respect, tender feelings and nurturing care for each other. Help us keep on laying down ourselves and our lives for your service and your glory by choosing you first and courageously stepping out in love through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.