26 July 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 26 July 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 65 and 70

Psalm 65 is a glorious hymn of praise to God, who forgives us, saves us, satisfies our souls and creates the world and everything in it. In particular it gives praise the food we receive at harvest time.

Psalm 70 is a plea for help in time of urgent need. It asks for those who seek harm to be confused and turned back and those who seek God to rejoice and give praise.

Amos 9: 7 – 15

Amos continues to report God’s word, this time saying that other nations too have been restored to their lands, not just Israel. Israel is not to think itself too special. Israel will be captured as pebbles in a sieve.

God will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob. There will be a remnant from the house of David. There will be a time in the future where the reaping slows and ploughing can begin, when production starts again and people can be free to drink the wine they produce for themselves. Israel will be planted again and not leave their land.

John 8: 12 – 30

Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (v. 12). The Pharisees dispute with him that this assessment is not valid. Jesus says that because he knows his origins and what is to come, even if this is a self-assessment, it is valid. He goes on to say that no one can follow his path, that he is following God’s path and speaking God’s words. When Christ is raised up the people will know who he is, and what he has done. Many believe in him.

Collect for Morning Prayer

New native orchid - Karri Forest WA
2014 L Osburn

Magnificent God, you are worthy to be praised. You have created this world, you forgive us redeem us and restore us to you. You sent your Son to be the light of the world, to help us see our way and to return to you. As we come through difficult times help us to focus on you and your love for all so that we spread your love and expand its expression in the world through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Saturday 26 July 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 66

A great song of praise to God: “Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth” (v 1).  The psalmist lists the gifts of God and particularly that prayers are answered. God is a God of steadfast love.

Ezekiel 36: 1 – 25

Ezekiel prophesies that God will restore Israel, and do more good for them than before. The killing of children will cease. This will occur not because the people are behaving well but for the sake of God’s name.

Romans 3: 21 – 31

Paul continues to say that we all stand before God on an equal footing justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus was the sacrifice of atonement by faith. So, there is no basis for boasting. It is our faith not our works that justifies us and we uphold the Law.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Eyre Highway SA
2014 L Osburn

Gracious, loving nurturing God, you go that extra distance for us always and bring us to you, not because we are good but because you are merciful, forgiving and gave us the gift of Christ our saviour. Lift up our hearts and voices to you so that praise and gratitude comes from our mouths, hearts and actions and others can see how great you are and seek a relationship with you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.