5 September 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 5 September 2016 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 15 and 16

The first psalm lists the moral characteristics of people who are permitted in the temple. People who tell the truth, care for their neighbour and behave ethically.

The second psalm praises and blesses God and delights in the faithful. The psalmist commits to support people of faith and uses personal testimony of how God has enriched his life.

Zephaniah 3: 11 – 20

In the last days when the Lord comes the proud will be gone, the humble will seek the refuge of the Lord, they will be virtuous and unafraid. The people can sing since they are blameless, their enemies are gone and they need not fear disaster. Everyone will be brought home and renowned throughout the earth.

Acts 26: 19 – 32

Paul continues his testimony to King Agrippa, and the governor Festus. He tells of how he teaches the scriptures and encourages people of other nations to repent and turn to God. Festus tells him he is out of his mind from too much learning.  Paul defends and calls on King Agrippa’s knowledge of the scriptures and what is happening. King Agrippa asks is Paul challenging him to become Christian. Paul answers that he would like everyone who is listening to become Christian. King Agrippa and Festus on leaving agree that Paul has no case to answer and could be released immediately except that he has appealed to the Emperor.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Yellow Iris
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

Holy and loving God you would like us all to seek you, to trust in you alone, to come to you and be free from all blame and fear. Open our hearts and those of all we meet, to your call and your promise so that we may live in peace and your name be renowned across the world through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour and Your Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday 5 September 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 17: 1 – 13 (14) 15 – 16

The psalmist is a faithful and devout person who has been beset by wicked enemies. God’s protection and care is requested. God is asked to overthrow the wickedness. The psalmist wants relationships restored: him with God, the people with God and with him.

Judith 10: 14 – 11: 6, 20 – 23

The guards bring Judith before Holofernes the Assyrian general. She explains that God is supreme and that the Assyrians are dong God’s will by clearing out unfaithful people. She tells him that God will through him achieve a great purpose. Holofernes says that when victory is won he will take Judith to the palace of Nebuchadnezzar and he will convert to her faith.

1 John 4: 1 – 12

The writer says we are to test spirits and prophets. If they do not confess that Jesus came in flesh and was from God we are to know they are from the world. Though the world might listen to them we won’t and they will not listen to us. We are to love each other since God first loved us and sent his Son for us. If we love one another God lives in us and, God’s love is perfected through us.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Female Bower Bird
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

God of love and grace, you sent your Son Jesus to us and to be the one perfect and sufficient atonement for our sins. We know Christ came to us from you. Keep us faithful and positive in our love for you for others so that every day we can be the instruments on earth that perfect your love through Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour and your Holy Spirit that dwells in our hearts. Amen.