20 October 2016
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Thursday 20
October 2016
Morning
Prayer
Psalms
114 and 115
First,
the psalmist recalls the exodus and crossing of the sea and the Jordan: that
the natural world moved and changed to suit God’s purpose. The second psalm
starts praising God for faithful and constant expression of love. The psalmist
ridicules the idol-makers who like their idols may have the physical senses
(eyes, ears, noses…) but make no use of them. God is contrasted as a sensing
and active presence worthy to be trusted. The psalmist blesses the hearer of
the psalm.
Ezra
9
Ezra
is told that the exiles have married into the “people of the land” who are not
Jews and worship other gods. Ezra sees this as a great failure and risk of loss
of purity and loyalty to God. He tears his clothes and hair, fasts, sacrifices
and prays to God in utter embarrassment. Ezra prays that this remnant of
believers in whom God trusts can be made whole. Ezra knows that God has already
been merciful and has punished the people less than they deserved. Ezra is
terrified and acknowledges the people’s guilt.
Matthew
16: 13 – 28
Jesus
asks the disciples who do the people think he is and then who do the disciples
think he is. Simon confesses that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus blesses him,
recognises that Simon discerned it by grace. Jesus calls him Peter and says
that on this rock – this firm foundation that Jesus is the Messiah – will the
church be built and the gates of death (Hades) will not win.
Jesus
says that he will suffer and be put to death and then on the third day be
raised. Peter wants to prevent this. Jesus tells him to get behind him (get out
of the way and follow) and that he is a stumbling block (he has placed the rock
that he is in Jesus’ path). Both are because Peter is still concerned with
earthly understandings and his Jewish understanding of what the Messiah will
do.
The
Jesus says to all, if we want to follow Christ we must deny ourselves, take up
our cross and follow. Those who want to save their lives will lose it and those
who lose their lives for Christ’s sake will find it. Some with Christ that day
will see Christ in the Kingdom before they die.
Collect for Morning Prayer
Just a glimpse of the map L Osburn |
Thursday 20
October 2016
Evening
Prayer
Psalms
116 and 117
The
first psalm gives thanks to God for healing. Even when he is profoundly
depressed the psalmist trusts in God. The second psalm is a global call to
praise God.
Daniel
5: 1 – 16
King
Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar at a festival calls for the vessels of the
temple to be brought in, filled with wine and used by all. They make a toast to
the gods of precious metals and stone. A hand appears on the wall and writes a
message in a language the King can not read and nor can any wise people. King
Belshazzar calls for Daniel.
1 Peter 4: 3 – 11
Peter acknowledges that people’s
lives have changed and they no longer carouse and get drunk and worship idols.
As a result their old friends are surprised and blaspheme. Peter says all of us
will need to give an account of ourselves to Christ. This is the purpose of the
gospel, that though we might be judged in the flesh we will live in the spirit.
Peter says the end is near so we
are to be serious and love one another, be hospitable without complaint, serve
one another with whatever gifts we have. Speak as if we are speaking with God’s
words, labour with God’s strength so that God many be glorified in all things
through Christ. To God belongs the glory eternally. Amen
Collect for Evening Prayer
On the desert Road Eyre Highway South Australia L Osburn |
Holy and gracious Lord without you,
our labours and efforts come to nothing. Help us to reflect on today and the
times you were with us, especially when we are in dark and lonely places, so
that we can see your action in our lives and praise you. And for the days to
come, work in and through us to do your will for your glory through Jesus
Christ and your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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