Monday 25 August 2014

26 August 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 


Tuesday 26 August 2014 
Morning Prayer

Psalms 137: 1 – 6 (7 –9); 138

The song of the exiles... “By the river of Babylon”. The psalmist feels the pain and anguish of the destruction of Jerusalem and worries about forgetting yet finding it impossible to sing.
The second psalm is a song of praise and deliverance and ends with the psalmist faithfully claiming, “the Lord will fulfil his purpose for me”.

2 Chronicles 32: 24 – 33:

Hezekiah become unwell, prays is given a sign but is too proud to respond. Once Hezekiah repents his pride he heals. Envoys come from Babylon to ask about what happened to Sennacherib’s army. This is a test for Hezekiah and his heart. More of Hezekiah is written in other books of the Bible. When he dies he is mourned by all and buried on the ascent to the tombs of David in Jerusalem.

Acts 21: 15 – 26

Paul and the Christian Greeks come to Jerusalem. Paul sees James and the elders and tells them all that has occurred. They tell him the distortions of his work that have reached Jerusalem. Together they agree that Paul and the Greeks will undertake a temporary rite of purification – shaving their heads – so that the Jews know they obey the Law. James and the elders say that the Gentiles who are believers are no to eat anything that has been sacrificed to an idol, that is strangled nor are they to engage in fornication.  Paul and the men shave, purify themselves and go to the temple thus making public the completion of their purification and preparation for a sacrifice for them.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Near Rutherglen Vic
2014 L Osburn

Holy and faithful God, the only sacrifice you want from us is humility before you and contrition. Praise and thanksgiving, will as a result leap from within. At the start of this day help us take this moment to be still before you, to feel your greatness and compassion so that we may praise you deeply from our hearts through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.




Tuesday 26 August 2014
Evening Prayer


Psalm 139

The psalmist loves, reveres and understands the majesty and ever-presence of God. He wants to distance himself from anyone and anything that is opposed to God – to actively step away. He appeals to God to examine him, test him and lead him in the right way.

Tobit 4

Tobit blind, gives his son Tobias thorough and comprehensive instructions for life then charges him with the task of going to Gabael at Rages in Media to retrieve his hidden wealth.

Romans 15: 1 – 13

Paul charges Christians to put up with the failings of the weak. Christ came and not only put up with us but suffered all insults. What was written in scripture is there to instruct Jews and all nations, to encourage us and make us steadfast. Paul prays that God will encourage us to live in harmony with each other. We are to welcome each other so that as the scriptures say, all nations will confess God and sing God’s praise. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (v. 13).

Collect for Evening Prayer

Sailing Boat Fremantle Harbour
WA 2014 L Osburn
Steadfast and encouraging God, you lead us through scripture, wise and faithful parents and through the example of Christ. With your apostle Paul we ask you, God of hope, to fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

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