19 August 2014
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Tuesday 19
August 2014
Morning
Prayer
Psalms 110 and 111
The
first psalm is about the new king, who sits beside God, who defeats the enemies
of God, whose rule extends beyond Zion and who, on coronation has priest
privileges. The second praises God for great deeds, honour, majesty, enduring
righteousness and mercy. God has sent us redemption. Respecting God is the
beginning of wisdom.
2 Chronicles 29: 15 – 30
The Levites gather together and go into the temple.
They remove everything that is unclean and take it out of the city. From the
front they systematically clean and sanctify the temple. It takes 16 days. They
tell King Hezekiah who rises early the next day calling for sin and burnt
sacrifices. While the burnt sacrifice occurs he has cymbals, harps, lyres and
trumpets play the song to the Lord. Everyone worships, people sing. When the
burnt offering is finished they bow and the Levites sing praises to the Lord,
bow and worship.
Acts 18: 18 – 28
Paul with Priscilla and Aquila goes to Syria. In Ephesus
he discusses in the synagogue, is welcomed and says he needs to move on but will
return. He travels to Caesarea and up to Jerusalem to the church there then to
Galatia and beyond.
Meanwhile Apollos from Alexandria arrives in Ephesus.
He knows scripture, speaks well, is enthusiastic but has limited knowledge of
Christ. Aquila and Priscilla speak with him to fill out his knowledge so that
he can better present the Way of God. Apollos is encouraged in his ministry to
go to Achaia. While he is there he helps the believers since he is able to
powerfully refute the Jews in public and show that the Messiah is Jesus.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
The Cathedral of the Karri Forest WA 2014 L Osburn |
Tuesday 19 August 2014
Evening
Prayer
Psalms 112 and 113
The
first psalm proclaims that the righteous and faithful, those who give
generously and stand firm against fear and opposition will receive good things
and good reputations.
The
second psalm praises God especially for responding to those who are humble and
poor and bringing them to sit with princes. There is no other god like this.
Song
of Songs 5
The man
replies that he is in his garden – there is fragrant spice honey and milk.
Again the women dreams that her lover comes, that she goes to him but he is
gone and she searches, is found by the city guards and beaten. In her dream her
mantle is removed – she is exposed in her love.
When
asked by a chorus what makes her beloved so special she describes all his
characteristics as if her were a god.
Romans 11: 25 – 36
Paul explains that it is a mystery. He says that
Israel will reject Christ until all the people from other countries know Christ
as saviour and redeemer. Jews might reject the gospel but they are God’s people
through God’s promises to their ancestors. We can never know the ways and mind
of God. All we can know is that all things are from God, through God and to
God. Paul glorifies God.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Looking from Cape Leuuwin WA towards Africa 2014 L Osburn |
God of mystery and wonder, you love us and want
us to come to you. You want us to generously give of ourselves and to know that
you will be with us in dark and painful places where we are called on to reveal
our love for you. We have faith that you will lift us up. As we reflect on our
day help us see that everything is from you, through you and to you, and to praise
your glorious name through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen
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