16 July 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 16 July 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 38

The psalmist is dreadfully ill, so much so that friends stand a bit further away and people who seek harm spread rumours. The psalmist stays quiet, trusting God, praying and asking for God’s salvation.

Amos 2: 6 – 16

Amos continues to list Israel’s wrongdoings and remind them of God’s punishment of other nations. Amos prophesies destruction and oppression to come.

John 5: 30 – 47

Jesus says that his judgements are just because he has no interest in the outcome. He is not doing anything to promote himself. Those who testify for and on behalf of Jesus are: God – and that testimony is true, John the Baptist, the God given works Jesus does and, the scriptures.

He says that the Jews search for eternal life in the scriptures and the scriptures says Jesus will come and bring life but they refuse to come to Jesus to have life. Instead they accept glory from fellow humans. Isn’t it better to accept God’s glory from God directly?

Jesus says that Moses wrote about him and if they won’t believe Moses, they are not going to believe Jesus.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Small Bird Sanctuary Island
Deniliquin NSW 2014 L Osburn

God of eternal patience, you have performed wonders and miracles, given us laws and leaders, and your own Son to us. You are patient. You wait for us to open our eyes and hearts to you. Give us patience too today to quietly and consistently do your work not for praise or recognition from others but for you and for your glory through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday 16 July 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 39

The psalmist is mortally ill and perceives his illness to be punishment from God. He decides to be calm and quiet in the presence of people who would bring him more grief. He asks to know how much time he has left. Humans are like passing guests, aliens. The psalmist asks for a little relief so that he can smile before he dies.

Ezekiel 20: 39 – 21: 7

Ezekiel continues with God’s response to the elders of Israel. The elders are told to continue worshipping their useless idols since they won’t listen to God. But they are to know that after the destruction and after the exile there will be a return to Jerusalem where all will gather and worship God and recognise their faithlessness. They will recognise that God is God and deals with them in God’s way.

Galatians 6: 1 – 10

Paul gives practical advice on how we demonstrated the fruits of the spirit. If someone does something wrong, we are to restore them in a spirit of gentleness. We are to be watchful for things that tempt us. We are to support each other. When we think we are important remember we are deceiving ourselves. Criticise and test our own work, not others. Support those who teach us. Put time and effort into the spirit and we will reap a harvest there. Whenever we have a chance, do things for the community of the faithful.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Black Swans Mandurah Estuary
WA 2014 L Osburn

Gracious God, you have provided us with everything we need for life, community and our future. Help us keep our focus on you and show your living spirit in our lives by the way we interact with the world and with others. Strengthen in us your spirit of gentleness, mindfulness, care, humility and action where it is needed through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.