8 July 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 8 July 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 20 and 21: 1 – 7 (8 – 13)

The first psalm begins as a bidding prayer asking that the King’s prayers be heard and answered. God is the one in the community trusts, not men or chariots. The second psalm takes this theme of the power being with God and the King’s dependence on God in all things.

2 Chronicles 22

Ahaziah, son of Jehoram becomes king of Judah and also is wicked. He visits King Ahab’s son who is recovering from a war injury and is killed by Jehu. Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah becomes queen and has all Ahaziah’s male children killed except one who was hidden by the king’s daughter who was also wife to a priest.

John 3: 22 – 36

Jesus and the disciples go out into Judah and Jesus is baptising people. Meanwhile John the Baptists is also baptising in another place. John’s disciples come to John to tell him about what Jesus is doing. John says first, no one can receive anything unless it comes from heaven. Second that he already told everyone that he is not the Messiah. John compares himself to the best man at a wedding he isn’t the bridegroom and he rejoices. His joy is fulfilled. John knows too that like the best man, his power and influence has to decrease.

John says explicitly that Jesus is above all, is sent by God, gives freely of the Spirit, tells the truth and is not believed. Those who believe know that God is true. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. The Son brings eternal life to those who believe.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Pink and grey parrots
The Nullabor Plain SA 2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord, you sent your Son to us to heal to forgive to renew and to give us a pathway to you eternally. He is the Son of love, Son of power and might and deals gently with us all. Let us feel that wonder and joy in our hearts so that we may go out into the world you love with courage and spirit loving and accepting your people and doing your will through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tuesday 8 July 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 24 and 26

The Lord of hosts is the King of glory, is the focus of this psalm. The world and everything in it is God’s. Those who aspire to heaven are the pure and righteous.

The second psalm is from a person who is faithful and has integrity and who has been falsely accused. The psalm asks God to look inside and to bring redemption.

Ezekiel 14

Elders come to Ezekiel to consult God but all of them have in their homes idols to other gods. God will not be consulted while these stumbling blocks are present. These people are outside the community of God. The prophet will say nothing. If a prophet does speak it will be false and misleading.

Further when the destruction comes, the righteous might be spared but their righteous is no protection for their sons or daughters; not even great righteousness. And when the destruction comes witnesses will be consoled when they see that those who remain are the righteous.

Galatians 3: 1 – 14

Paul challenges the Galatians. He asks did they receive the Spirit by obeying the law or by hearing of Christ and believing. If they received the spirit by hearing and believing why then tie themselves to the law: why go backwards? The law does not rely on faith. Once anyone’s will has been confirmed or endorsed, that is all that is needed. 

Abraham believed in God and he is counted to be righteous, this was before the law existed. And God said to Abraham that all people from all nations would be blessed through him. So, those who believe are blessed with Abraham. The law, coming so much later does not annul God’s promise.

Collect for Evening Prayer

In the Karri Forest WA
2014 L Osburn

Holy and wonderful God, you are the only Lord of all. Be with us now as we reaffirm our faith in you and our gratitude for your Son Jesus Christ our saviour and redeemer. Fill our hearts with joy and thanks that we through faith are in your grace, in your presence and in your love through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.