16 June 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 16 June 2014 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 105: 1– 22

The psalm praises God’s faithfulness. This portion recalls the early story of Abraham through to Joseph being placed in charge of Pharaoh’s household.

1 Chronicles 21: 1 – 17

David demands to know how large his nation is. He wasn't a census. Joab disagrees and partially obeys – he does not count the descendants of Benjamin or Levi. God was unhappy and offers David a choice of punishments – he chooses a plague. 70,000 people are estimated to have died at the hand of the destroying angel. Jerusalem is spared.

Acts 4: 5 – 22

Peter and John are before the High Priest Annas and Caiaphas and others. When asked by what power and by what name did they heal the man they proclaimed the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, crucified and resurrected. They quote scripture (Psalm 118:22). The priests and officials recognise that these are uneducated people who were companions of Jesus and they recognise the healed man. They consult and then order Peter and John to be silent about Jesus.

Peter and John say they cannot stop listening to God and saying what God tells them to say. The officials threaten them but there is no way to punish them since the people are praising God for the miracle. Peter and John are freed. 

Collect for Morning Prayer

Frenchman Peak
Cape Le Grand National Park WA
2014 L Osburn

Holy and faithful God you have cared for us all through the ages. We, even your faithful ones slip and fall – we want to count how effective we have been, to measure how great we are or to control situations instead of remembering that you are the one who releases us, frees us and heals us. Be with us today. Keep us humble and help us to remember that only by your grace and your love are we redeemed and equipped to do your will through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Monday 16 June 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 105: 23– 45

The psalm continues to praise God’s faithfulness to the covenant and tells the story of he famine, Israel going to Egypt, the Exodus and the arrival in the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 7: (1 – 6) and 7 – 26

The Israelites on arrival in the new land are promised victory. They are also warned to not allow themselves or future generations to fall prey to idols and other Gods. They are therefore to destroy everything and not pillage artefacts.

God loves Israel is loved not because the nation is great or the people wonderful, indeed they are tiny and have been a challenge. The people need to set up their arrangements to ensure they continue to love God and God alone.

1 Corinthians 16: 1 – 12

Paul discusses administrative matters: when he plans to visit and for how long, that Timothy will visit, and that Apollos cannot come at the moment. He reminds them to systematically put money aside for the poor believers in Jerusalem and when he comes he will give them letters so that they can send someone to Jerusalem with the gift.

Collect for Evening Prayer

At the SA and WA Border... the world awaits
2014 L Osburn

Faithful and loving God you chose Israel and taught them your ways and through Christ the whole world can love you too. Encourage us this evening to remember the origins of our faith, to remember your great deeds and the preciousness of your faithful people who ensured through the centuries that the story of your love, the gift of Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit can be know to us today so that we too take up this mantle, stay loyal and spread the good news through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.