24 June 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 24 June 2014 

Morning Prayer   

Psalms 130, 131 and 133

The first psalm is a lament and recognition of God’s forgiveness and steadfast love. The second describes deep humility: a calmed and quieted soul that waits in trust for the Lord. The third psalm rejoices in family peace and harmony.

2 Chronicles 11

Rehoboam, who is now king gathers a great army to fight to reunite Israel. God speaks to Shemaiah and instructs that the people not fight against their kindred. The army disperses. Rehoboam sets about building and fortifying cities and towns.

The Levites and priests from other parts of Israel come to Jerusalem since they have been blocked from the temple as Rehoboam had appointed his own priests. These people lived faithfully and well for three years. Rehoboam also set up idols, had abundant children and put many in charges of the fortified cities. He appointed one of his sons, Abijah as chief priest.

Acts 12: 12 – 25

Peter, who has been freed from prison by an angel now realises it is not a dream and goes straight to the house of Mary the mother of John. Rhoda, the maid answers the outer gate, sees Peter and is so overjoyed she runs inside without opening the gate. The people inside tell her she is crazy. She insists. Peter keeps knocking. Eventually they go and answer the gate and of course there is a fuss and Peter has to get them to be quiet.

The next morning, Herod Agrippa has the prison guards killed on account of Peter’s escape. Herod then goes to Caesarea. He is unhappy with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They seek reconciliation. On the day it is to be ratified Herod is robed and on his platform and the people praise him as if he is a God. Immediately he dies.

Christianity grows and Barnabas and Saul return to Jerusalem and bring with them John (aka Mark).

Collect for Morning Prayer

Listening to instructions - sail training
Bussleton WA 2014 L Osburn

God of communication, you have ensured that the record of your faithful people is with us to guide and instruct. We thank you for the Bible and for the reinforcement that you are the God who forgives and is steadfast, that those that who wait in humility are cared for and that we are your family – we have commotions, rejoicing and peace. Be with us today and guide us in all we do through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tuesday 24 June 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 132 and 134

The first psalm is a reminder to God that David promised to bring the Ark of the Covenant to a permanent dwelling in Jerusalem. God indicates that if David’s offspring keep the commandments then the dynasty will last.

The second psalm is a blessing.

Ezekiel 1: 22 – 3: 3

Ezekiel describes the scene of his vision above the angels and that he sees an appearance of the likeness of the gory of God. He then hears God commission him to be a prophet to Israel who have rebelled, are impudent and stubborn.

James 1: 19 – 2: 7

James writes that we should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger because anger does not bring righteousness. We need to apply what we learn from scripture to our lives – caring for others is part of the mission.

Finally he challenges us to respect the poor since they too are heirs of the kingdom and are rich in faith. We are to honour them when they come to our assemblies.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Indian Ocean WA
2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord, throughout the ages you have given us two great commandments: to love you and to love each other. As we reflect on our day, help us to recognise and repent for those times when we were stubborn and celebrate those times when we slowed down, listened and respected others so that we can grow in strength and capacity to serve you better day by day through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.