2 July 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 2 July 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 5 and 6

This first psalm asks for God to hear the prayers of the victim of harmful lies. God has no time for wickedness. The psalmist will go to the temple knowing that he too is not yet righteous and needs help to stay on the path. The psalmist takes the problem to God and does not retaliate. Instead he asks for all who take refuge in the Lord to experience joy and protection and exult and bless the Lord.

Debilitating and terrifying illness has struck and the psalmist. It is shaking the psalmist’s faith. God is asked to lovingly respond. The psalmist stands against evil and proclaims the Lord’s swift response.

2 Chronicles 18: 19 - 27

Micaiah the prophet tells King Ahab of Israel of his vision where God asks who would entice the king to fight and die at Ramoth-gilead. He says that a spirit comes forward, a lying spirit and offers to go into the mouths of the other prophets. Zedekiah slaps him and argues that Micaiah is the one lying. Micaiah replies that Zedekiah will find the truth when he has to hide in his inner chamber.

King Ahab orders Micaiah to be taken to prison and fed on reduced rations until the King returns in peace. Micaiah tells the king that if he does return in peace then God has not spoken through him (Micaiah) and charges all the prophets to hear.

Acts 14: 19 – 28

In Lystra where Paul and Barnabas try to stop the people thinking they are Greek Gods, the Jews who were against them in Antioch arrive, win over the people who stone Paul and thinking he is dead drag him out of the city. The disciples surround him and he gets up. He and Barnabas go to Derbe.

In Derbe they make many disciples. They return to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch strengthening the disciples there and encouraging them in the faith. They proclaim that persecutions are part of the faith journey. They continue on to other towns bringing the good news and then return again to Antioch where they stay for some time.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Valley of the Giants treetop walk
The walkway is 40 metres above the ground.
Walpole WA 2014 E Byford

Wonderful Lord we thank you for your people of faith who in their lives show us courage, determination and resilience. Through your presence in their lives they were assured and empowered to persist and to hold true to you. Give us that strength, that backbone of faith so that we too step through the challenges we face knowing that you are with us, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wednesday 2 July 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 7 and 8

In the first psalm, someone who was an ally has been harmed and the blame is being focused on the psalmist. The psalmist seeks God’s protection, calls on God to search him out and judge. The psalmist is also aware that the snares the wicked set can turn against them. The psalmist is confident in a right relationship with God and is willing to repent. The psalmist promises to praise God when rescued.

God’s majesty is praised. Every human sound is praise to God. And the psalmist marvels at that. How is it that humans have such a special place when we consider the expanse of the heavens? The psalm ends in awe, wonder and praise.

Ezekiel 8: 16 – 9: 11

Ezekiel has a vision of 25 men in the temple with their backs to the altar worshipping the sun as it rises and holding branches to their noses. There is dismay that God’s people are so provocative. These actions can only lead to violence in the land.

Titus 3

Paul gives direction to Titus. He is to remind people to obey the law and be subject to those who are ruling; to do good works; to speak evil of no one and not quarrel and, to be gentle and courteous.

God saved us by grace not because we were good. We have the water of rebirth and the Holy Spirit. We have been justified by grace through Jesus so that we are heirs of God’s eternal kingdom.

We are to avoid stupid controversies and quarrels about the law. And, after warning someone twice have nothing to so with those who cause divisions – they condemn themselves.

Have the people devote themselves to good works that meet urgent needs and so that they are productive.

Paul ends with a blessing.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Guidance equipment for a fishing boat
Fremantle WA 2014
L Osburn

Holy Lord, your psalmists, prophets and leaders warn us that we will have days that are tough, provoking and that cause us dismay. You guide us and give us clear strategies on how to respond. We praise you and thank you for your love and care for us. Strengthen us to always be gentle and courteous and be assured that your might and your power will prevail through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.