13 October 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 13 October 2016 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 101 and 102: 1 - 11

The first psalm is a statement of commitment to justice and to work hard to live a righteous life. The portion of the second psalm is a lament. The psalmist is unwell and in great pain unable to eat or sleep and tormented by others who suggest God has deserted him.

Zechariah 8: 9 – 23

Zechariah reports that God proposes a time of peace, prosperity and blessing. The people are charged to be truthful to each other, judge in ways that make for peace, devise no evil and love no false oath. The previous fasts will be seasons for joy and gladness. Jerusalem can be a beacon to people from around the world. People will seek out Jews and say, “let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you” (v.23).

Matthew 13: 44 – 58

Jesus tells three parables beginning “The kingdom of heaven is like…” In the first the kingdom is like a treasure buried in a field. A man sells all he has to buy the field. Or like a fine pearl that someone who knows quality pearls, sells everything to buy this one. So the first is about the yield or product; the second is about comparative value. The third is a dragnet that brings all the fish in. Those that are fit to eat are kept. This is about judgement.

Jesus says well trained Mosaic scribes bring forth old scripture and preserve new learning like a master of a great treasury can bring out and display the old and the new. So scribes are not about curating a museum but being part of the modern collection too.

Jesus returns to his hometown and preaches. The people are astounded and consider this family background rather than hear him. He can do no deeds of power there. He is not honoured even as a prophet.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Banner
Trinity cathedral
Wangaratta Vic
L Osburn

Holy Lord you faithfully love us through all the ages and keep asking us to love one another, seek peace and be prepared to give up our search for products and commodities as if they hold the answer. We are to seek you through attention to the treasures in the scriptures and through Jesus Christ who died for us. Give us the grace to hear you and the courage to live our lives in your service, knowing you never desert us, so that those whose lives we touch may come into your presence and be heirs of your Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thursday 13 October 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 102: 12 – 28

This second portion of the lament turns into a hymn of prayer and praise to God. God will look after us; hears our prayers and is eternal.

Daniel 2: 36 – 49

Daniel interprets the dream and explains that the King is one of a series of rulers and future regimes that will eventually crumble and God will establish a universal Kingdom. King Nebuchadnezzar worships Daniel and admits that truly Daniel’s God is God of Gods and Lord of Kings. He promotes Daniel and agrees that Daniel’s friends be given positions of high status in the realm.

1 Peter 2: 4 – 10

Peter tries to put in words that Christ is the central stone for a living temple and we are all part of that edifice. This isn’t a temple of stone – it is alive in Christ. We have no need to sacrifice animals because we give and we are the sacrifice. We through faith understand how precious Christ is. We understand what the ancient scriptures mean about who Christ is. Even though we come from many nations, through God’s grace we have been shown God’s mercy and chosen to be Christians – a royal priesthood.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Gang Gang Cockatoo
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

Holy Lord you bring us out from ourselves, from the dark, from threat of death and give us freedom and promotion in your living temple as your people. Be with us this night as we reflect on all your mercies: your grace that opens our hearts to you and the courage you give us to forgo our selves, to seek to do your will and to be part of your great Kingdom. Help us recognise your great gifts and understand that we are precious to you so that we are able to pass on your love and care to everyone through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.