23 September  2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 23 September 2016 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 54 and 55: 1 – 12

The first psalm is a plea to be saved from enemies, a statement of faith and a promise to give a free will offering to God once the psalmist is triumphant.

The second psalm portion is another plea for aid against enemies. The psalmist fears for his life and wants to run away. There is trouble around the city walls and the psalmist asks that the enemies’ plans be confused.

Joel 1: 15 – 2: 11

Joel continues to describe the locust plague as a mighty unstoppable army able to enter every stronghold, walk over weapons, destroy everything before them and leave a devastated country to waste behind. The priests blow the shofar to warn of the approaching calamity.

Matthew 8: 5 – 22

A centurion comes and asks for healing for a sick servant. He explains that he is not worthy for Christ to come into his home but Christ need only command the servant will be healed. Jesus heals the servant and praises the centurion for his faith.

He heals and casts out many spirits, which fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases”.

A crowd gathers. A scribe approaches and says he will follow Jesus who replies that foxes and birds have places to rest but Jesus has no place to rest. He is making it clear that following Jesus as not a picnic.

Another disciple asks first to bury his father. Jesus says, “Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead” (v. 22).

Collect for Morning Prayer

When the road ahead is blocked
Boomanoomana NSW  L Osburn

Gracious God you are with us during times of trial and need. You forgive us, satisfy us, tell us the truth and call us to your service. Today help us keep our clear focus on you no matter what pressures we experience so that at the end of this day we can know that we are part of your new creation and praise and give thanks to your Holy name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday 23 September 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 55: 13 – 15 (16 – 17) 18 – 28

The psalmist’s enemy is a close friend. It is harder to bear treachery from someone close. The friend has tricked another and done great harm. God will hear and respond. Lay our burdens on God. God’s is the punishment not ours. Trust God.

1 Maccabees 2: 49 – 70

Mattathias is about to die. He recalls for his sons all those who were faithful to God and to the Law and entreats them to do the same. They are not to fear the proud and powerful whose reigns are temporary. He makes his son Simeon, who is wise, the family counsel and Judas Maccabeus the commander of the army. He blesses his sons and dies.

Ephesians 6: 1 – 9

Paul counsels the Christians to honour each other, our parents, our children, our masters if we are slaves and our slaves if we are masters. We are to remember to work diligently not only when we are being watched but at all times. We are to acknowledge that there is one Lord of us all and we are all equal before God.

Collect for Evening Prayer

At the end of the day
Savernake NSW   L Osburn

God of peace, you want us to be humble and honour and value each other as you honour and value us – each one precious in your sight. Be with us now as we reflect on our work, our words and our actions today. Help us identify those times where we honoured others and obeyed you. Make us bold to do the same and more tomorrow and the days after so that we become one of your gifts to the world through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.