10 October 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 10 October 2016 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 92 and 93

In the first psalm God’s faithfulness and steadfast love is praised. On this occasion the King’s enemies have failed in some other place and are no more. Everything has been restored. The righteous people prosper.

In the second psalm God’s greatness is praised – more powerful than floods, more powerful than the seas. God’s commandments are sure and God lives in holiness.

Zechariah  4: 8 – 5: 11

This section covers 3 visions of Zechariah. First he prophesies that Zerubabbel will complete the temple and it will be grand.

The people of God are to be the light of the world fuelled by the Holy Spirit (oil from the olive trees that flank the lamp). The oil flows from the trees without might or power – without the pressing and the processing. Similarly, the people of their own resources and power cannot bring God’s light to the world. The Spirit of God enables and this comes through the two trees – the high priest and the King. For us Christ is our high priest and King.

The next vision is one of judgement on everyone who steals (who has dealt falsely with their neighbour) and everyone who swears falsely (who dishonours God). This disobedience will eat away at them, their homes and communities.

The third vision is the personification of evil trapped in a barrel and being transported to a place where people will worship only evil. God removes evil from the faithful people for all time – it must be rejected and banished for – but not by the efforts of people, by the grace of God.

Matthew 13: 1 – 17

Jesus by the lake has to get into a boat since the crowd is so great. He tells the parable of the sower: seeds fall on a path and are eaten by birds, those on rocky ground spring up quickly but without root depth wither in the heat, those growing in thorns are choked, those in good soil produce an unbelievably huge crop – 100 fold, or 60 fold or 30 fold.

The disciples ask why Jesus teaches in parables. The people don’t understand, they cannot, they cannot properly hear but the disciples will be able to hear, understand and teach because of these parables. They will remember the stories and hence the lessons.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Canola in bloom
Rutherglen Vic  L Osburn

O God, you are the great teacher. You teach through visions, and parables so that we listening and with our eyes open can by your grace be your people. Help us to remember that it is only through the power of your spirit that we can be effective in bringing your truth to this world. Help us today and in the days ahead to take time to reflect on the visions you sent and the parables you gave so that we deal properly with our neighbours and honour you in all we do through Jesus Christ our high priest and King. Amen.

Monday 10 October 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 94

The psalmist calls people to remember that God does, can, and will act for the righteous. We are all reminded that nothing is hidden from God who formed all ears, all types of eyes. Will God not be able to see or hear what we are up to? The psalmist writes that disciplined believers are blessed, that the Lord is there for them and consoles. The Lord helps.

Daniel 1

Daniel and his three young friends are in the king’s palace in Babylon to learn and be prepared to serve in the court. They are allocated food. Daniel refuses the food and requests vegetables to be faithful to dietary laws. The palace master is reluctant but allows a trial period and compares the health status of the 4 to the other young men who eat the palace food as rationed. Daniel and his friends are healthier and more able on all the measures relevant to the palace including wisdom and understanding.

1 Peter 1: 1 – 9

A letter from Peter to the Christians in Asia Minor begins with a blessing for them and for God who has provided not only new birth to all through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection but also an imperishable inheritance with God.

Peter praises the people for their faith in Christ even though they have never seen Him and reminds them of the protection they have from God through their faith. The genuineness of their faith is precious, more precious than gold. And the outcome of faith is salvation of their souls.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Cascade of gum leaves
Tawonga Gap Vic L Osburn

Holy almighty and wonderful God, you have given us your Son and offered us salvation and life eternal with you. Help us to keep loyal to you and to do those things we know help us focus and connect our lives to you and bear witness of your love for us to others through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.