8 October 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 8 October 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 89: 1 - 18

This section of the psalm praises God for faithfulness and steadfastness in all generations, for the creation of the earth and the victory over chaos. Happy are the people who sing praises and walk in God’s pathway.

Zechariah  3: 1 – 4: 7

Zechariah’s vision continues. He sees Joshua who represents Jerusalem’s prayers to God, clothed in dirty rags and being accused by Satan. The Lord rebukes Satan and Joshua is given clean clothes and a new turban. The sins of Jerusalem are cleaned away and Joshua’s capacity to represent is affirmed. Joshua is warned that the people need to follow God’s way.

The angel who is with Zechariah gets him to pay attention and describe what he sees. It is a lampstand with a large bowl and seven lamps flanked by two olive trees. This represents God’s word and presence throughout the world. Zerubbabel’s obstacles will be removed and he will complete the temple.

Matthew 12: 38 – 50

The Pharisees and scribes ask for a sign from Jesus. As with the temptation in the wilderness Jesus doesn’t “do signs”. God works through Jesus. If Jesus controls the signs and miracles the Pharisees and scribes will focus on Him not on God – just like adultery. The sign they will see is the sign of Jonah being definitely lost for three days – Jonah in a whale – restored, Jesus dead and buried –resurrected. Both of these are only in the power and will of God. And the Pharisees and scribes are blind – they want God to fit their formularies. Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba’s eyes are more open.

Next Jesus talks about someone exorcised but who does not take the risk and commit – who does not fill up the inner self with God. The demons return with reinforcements. It is only through following Jesus, through doing the will of God that we become brothers and sisters of Christ and the demons cannot get a stronghold.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Spring in the garden
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

Wonderful and glorious God you care for all of us in every part of your universe. You forgive us when we come to you. You fill us with good things when we commit to you and give our lives to you. We thank you and praise you for all your gifts of love especially Jesus Christ your Son our Lord who died for us. Give us the strength to always focus on you, to take the risks necessary to do your will so that we may always be part of Christ’s family with you forever, Amen.

Saturday 8 October 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 89: 19 – 38

This section of the psalm states the unalterable covenant with David and his line forever even if the children violate God’s laws, the relationship with David will continue.

Verse 38 changes and says “But now … you are full of wrath against your anointed”.

1 Maccabees 14: 4 – 15

Demetrius is taken captive in Persia so Simon’s rule is peaceful and the boundaries are expanded to include the port of Joppa. The country returns to worshipping God, there is prosperity, the humble are helped, law is restored and the sanctuary made glorious.

Philemon 15 – 25

Paul continues entreating Philemon to take back Onesimus as a beloved brother, not as a slave and Paul offers to pay anything that Onesimus might owe Philemon.  Paul indicates that he will visit and sends greetings from those imprisoned with him and fellow workers.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Crimson Rosella on a Winter Branch
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

God of restoration and repair, you bring peace and prosperity to war-riven nations and change relationships from slavery to equality. Nothing is beyond you. We praise you and thank you for all the gifts we have from you. Make us generous. Help us share with the whole world so that knowledge of your love may spread and the entire earth rejoice and praise you through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.