Thursday 10 November 2016

11 November 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 


Friday 11 November 2016
Morning Prayer

Psalms 28 and 29

In the first psalm, the there is an appeal to not be like people who don’t believe and / or those who are deceitful. The psalmist changes focus and reminds us how big and powerful God is who saves and shepherds the people forever.

The next psalm picks up this theme on the almighty power of God just by whose voice water, forests, mountains and fire dance or whirl. The Lord’s power brings people confidence and peace.

Susanna 1 - 33

Susanna the young wife of a wealthy man is the victim of two older men who are judges in the community and sexual offenders. They try to force her consent and threaten her with death by constructing a false accusation. She refuses consent and would rather die than sin. The men accuse her of having a young male lover in the garden, take her to trial and have her unveiled before the whole community.

Matthew 24: 1 – 14

Jesus tells the disciples that the temple will be destroyed. Later on the Mount of Olives the disciples come and ask when will it be that Jesus comes and the age ends? Jesus warns them to be wary of false messiahs. Jesus says there will be many upheavals: wars, rumours of wars, earthquakes and that will only be the beginning. The disciples and the faithful will be handed over, tortured and put to death because they are Christians. People will fall away, betray each other and hate each other. There will be false prophets. Love will grow cold but those who endure in faith will be saved and the kingdom will be proclaimed over the whole earth.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Through to the valley beyond
Kiewa Vally Vic  L Osburn
Holy and loving God you know first hand about persecution for who we are and what we believe. Be with us today wherever we are in the world. Stand beside us in the time of trial, whether those are small barbs or great injuries. Help us keep the faith, love one another and endure through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord and Your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.





Friday 11 November 2016
Evening Prayer

Psalms 30 and 32

The first psalm is of praise and thanksgiving for healing and prayers answered.

The second psalm begins telling us how happy are those whose sins are forgiven. The psalmist tells of an illness cured as soon as sins are repented. He encourages all to offer prayer when distressed and warns us not to be stubborn about it.  Steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. We should be glad, rejoice and shout for joy.

Wisdom 2: 12– 24

The godless plot to hurt and harm the righteous to put God on trial and see if God will rescue them. But they do not understand, they are blind and cannot discern the secret purpose of God, the wages of holiness or the prize for blameless souls. Instead, since it was through evil – envy – death entered the world, these people will experience true death.

Revelation 5

In John’s vision he sees God holding a scroll with seven seals. An angel asks, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (v.2). And no one is found. John begins to weep, but an elder reassures him pointing out that Jesus is the one. John sees a Lamb, standing as if it had been slaughtered going forward. The Lamb takes the scroll. The angels sing praise to Jesus whose blood ransoms people of all nations and times for God. The angels sing how worthy Christ is to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honour glory and blessing. The all creatures everywhere praise God and Jesus.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Peeling off the rough hard bark
Tawonga Gap Vic
L Osburn
Holy and Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus to be the ransom for the sins of the world, to pay the price for us and for our enemies. We praise you for your grace and glory and love. Help us this night to renew our focus on you and to take time to connect so that when we are pressed on every side we stop, pray, trust and stay blameless in your sight and your beloved children through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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