24 July 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 24 July 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 56 and 57

The first psalm speaks of trust in God who is our salvation and who is with us when we fear the actions of other people. It ends in praise and commitment to faith.

The second psalm again is an appeal for aid against enemies who are compared to lions. The psalm shifts to praise. The psalmist wakes each morning to sing God’s praise, to uplift the soul and to ask God to be exalted in the world: to let God’s glory shine.

Amos 8: 4 – 14

Amos continues to report God’s words. He will not forget those who use unfair practices in trade and oppress the poor by reducing the size of measures and increasing the price. He will remember those who can’t wait to get produce to sell or who are anxious for the Sabbath to be over so they can make money.

When the disaster comes day will be as night, mourning will be great and none of the things people worship or put their hope in will be of any benefit. Those deities will be no more.

John 7: 32 – 53

The Pharisees, hearing the muttering, send temple police to arrest Jesus.  Jesus foretells his future into a place where no one can follow. The hearers again are quite concrete in their thinking.

On the last day of the festival Jesus reminds people that scripture says out of the believer’s heart comes streams of living water. He invites them to come and drink. When the crowd hears this again they debate whether Jesus is the Messiah. The temple police return to the Pharisees without Jesus. They are scolded and told Jesus has deceived them – that none of the Pharisees believe only the ignorant people do. Nicodemus, proposes that Jesus be given a hearing first before judging him. The Pharisees ridicule Nicodemus suggesting he too is from Galilee and that no prophet ever came form Galilee. They all go home.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Stream in the Karri Forest
WA 2014 L Osburn

God of renewal and refreshment, we seek you in this world where the idols of production and wealth generate impatience, ridicule and oppression, where relationships are broken, where we snap and snarl at each other, day is like night and we are overcome with mourning. When we find you, we encounter streams of living water, justice, praise and commitment to faith. Be with us now Lord. Be with us when we fear so that we too can be streams of living water to others, and wake each day to sing your praise through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Thursday 24 July 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 60 and 61

The disaster has struck. The people of the country are suffering. As a result attention to God has increased for some who rally like those joining together behind a banner. This psalm is an appeal to God to be with us in challenges ahead. The psalm ends with “With God we shall do valiantly” (v12).

The second psalm is a prayer for protection. God is describes as a rock, a shelter, a hiding place and a great bird under whose wings we are protected.

Ezekiel 34: 17 – 31

Ezekiel continues to report God’s message. God says he will separate out the sheep. Some of the sheep in the pasture take their fill then foul and destroy field and waterways for the others. Some sheep butt the others out of the way so that the lean ones are scattered instead of being part of the flock. God will save his flock, and will separate sheep from sheep.

God will then appoint a shepherd and make a new covenant with the sheep. Then there will be enough, there will be no predators and the sheep will be safe. The sheep will know that God is with them.

Romans 2: 25 – 3: 8

Paul continues the discussion on circumcision and sin. He says that if a circumcised person breaks the Law, that person stands before God on an equal footing as an uncircumcised person, since circumcision is only and outward sign of an inner commitment. He asks what advantage is it to be a Jew? The Jews are the ones who have been entrusted with God’s communications and with recording God’s steadfastness. Their behaviours have shown God’s love. That does not mean however that we should deliberately behave poorly so that God’s love is revealed. If that was true there could be no judgement. So, if Paul is being false, how can he be condemned as a sinner?

Collect for Evening Prayer

Blackwood River at Sue's Bridge
WA 2014 L Osburn

Faithful and steadfast God, when disaster strikes your people seek you, rally to you and cry for shelter and victory. Your judgement looks at all of us and your concern is for all especially the weak, frail and the oppressed. Your judgement provides guidance and green and safe pastures for all. Be with us in our reflections on our lives. Renew our commitment to your call to be your sheep, to follow your lead and to come to true victory. Help us build with you a place where all are fed, refreshed, included and nurtured through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.