19 October 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 19 October 2016 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 110 and 111

The first psalm is David, who talks of his Lord being one who sits beside God, who defeats the enemies of God, whose rule extends beyond Zion and who, on coronation has priest privileges in the most ancient order of priests.

The second praises God for great deeds, honour, majesty, enduring righteousness and mercy. God has sent us redemption. Respecting God is the beginning of wisdom.

Ezra 8: 15 – 36

Ezra gathers the returning exiles and does a quick census. He has no Levites so he sends a group of wise people to Iddo at Casiphia. Two families come with 220 temple servants. He calls a fast to pray for God’s protection on their journey – they have no armed protection. Ezra hands the gold and silver vessels to 12 of the leading priests and their kin for safe keeping until they are handed to the temple in Jerusalem. Everything is counted and is safely conveyed to the temple. The exiles sacrifice at the temple and deliver the King’s messages to governors and administrators.

Matthew 16: 1 – 12

Pharisees and Sadducees come to test Jesus and ask for a sign. Jesus says they can already predict by watching natural events so can themselves read the “signs of the times”. He will only give them the sign of Jonah. Jonah had three days in the whale, was restored and through him the whole city of Nineveh repented – another nation a non-Jewish people.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Remembering and trusting
The Abbey Benedictine Community
Jamberoo NSW   L Osburn

God of action, majesty, honour, righteous and mercy, great priest and the lord of Kings, in your care and with your protection the impossible and improbable is possible. We remember that Christ gave all to you and as a consequence saved the world. Help us put our trust in you and give you our cares so that we may spread your love and care throughout the world through Jesus Christ our redeemer. Amen.

Wednesday 19 October 2016 

Evening Prayer

Psalms 112 and 113

The first psalm proclaims that the righteous and faithful, who give generously and stand firm against fear and opposition, will receive good things and good reputations.

The second psalm praises God especially for responding to those who are humble and poor and bringing them to sit with princes. There is no other god like this.

Daniel 4: 28 – 37

Nebuchadnezzar is walking on his roof-top marvelling at the city he constructed and hears God say that his kingdom is departed from him an that he will be sent away from human company and dwell in the fields with animals until he learns that God is sovereign. This occurs and the king’s hair and nails grow (like eagles feathers and birds claws). On his return he repents and praises and honours God.

1 Peter 3: 17 – 4: 2

Peter reminds us that it is better to suffer for doing good than evil. He recalls Christ’s death and resurrection and how his death set others free – everyone – for all time. As the flood washed away people so our sins are washed away (not like dirt but deep in our conscience). This same Christ is with God and all powers and authorities are subject to Christ.

Since Christ suffered in the flesh, let us put aside our human desires and seek God first.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Unfurling
The Abbey Benedictine Community
Jamberoo NSW   L Osburn

Holy Lord you are our God and we will give thanks to you.

You are the one who has the power to change the hearts and minds of everyone, including great rulers. Be with us this night. Remind us that you have already rescued us. We are already free. You have already won the victory. Open our hearts to joyfully praise you for your steadfast and enduring love through Jesus Christ and your Holy Spirit. Amen.