30 August 2014
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Saturday 30
August 2014
Morning
Prayer
Psalms 148 and 149
These two psalms call on every part of creation to
praise and glorify God. Parts call for
dance and celebration of victories over enemy nations.
2 Chronicles 34: 14 – 28
While the temple cleaning is in progress Hilkiah, the
priest finds the book of the Law (Leviticus). They take it to the king and read
it. The king repentent tears his clothes in distress. He orders a group
including the priest to go to a prophet. They see Huldah a prophetess. She says
that indeed the punishment will come but because the king repented, he will
have peace in his life.
Acts 23: 1 – 11
Paul, before the chief priests and council that includes
Pharisees and Sadducees begins to speak. Ananias orders those close by to hit
him in the mouth. Paul retaliates implying that Ananias is something old and
grubby that has been covered in a white wash to conceal what is beneath. It was
a violation of the Law to strike someone before they have a chance to put their
case. Paul is then told that Ananais is a priest.
Paul identifies himself as a Pharisee and says he is
on trail because he believes in the resurrection. This is a contested point
between Pharisees and Sadducees. The Pharisees immediately find that Paul has
no case to answer. The debate becomes violent and the tribune fearing that Paul
would literally be torn to shreds, orders the soldiers to return him to the
barracks.
That night Paul experiences Christ’s presence who
tells him that since he testified for Christ in Jerusalem, he will also testify
in Rome.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Windmill Water Pump Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn |
God of steadfast love and care you
keep us safe, at peace and close to you when we humble ourselves and are prepared
to testify for Jesus our Lord and saviour. Keep us in your knowledge and love.
Keep us brave and courageous for you so that all the days of our lives we may
sing your praise and glory through Jesus Christ and your Holy Spirit in our
hearts. Amen.
Saturday 30
August 2014
Evening
Prayer
Psalms 144 and 150
The first psalm is of a king who has prepared for war,
he calls on God to be the strong deliverer. He expresses humility not just for
himself but all people, asks for God to be with them in routing the enemy. The
psalmist will sing praises, the youth and the land will flourish, there will be
peace and all happiness will be restored once the battle is won.
The last psalm is of joyful and exuberant praise –
instruments, dancing. “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord” (v6).
Tobit
9 and 10
Tobias
sends Raphael on to Gabael to collect Tobit’s money since he must stay at
Raguel for the remainder of the wedding festival. Gabael comes to the wedding
and is relived to see that Tobias looks like Tobit.
Meanwhile
because Tobias is delayed in his journey Tobit and his mother Anna fear for him
and become distressed. As soon as the feast is over Tobias begs Raguel to allow
him to go home. Raguel gives him half of all his property and staff and blesses
him. Edna, his new mother-in-law blesses him. They both want to live to see the
grandchildren. Tobias commits to honouring Raguel and Edna as his own parents.
Romans 16: 17 – 27
Paul urges the Roman Christians to
be on the watch for dissent and to come back to what they have been taught at
the first so that false teachers do not sway them. There are greetings from
people with Paul. Paul ends the letter praying that God strengthens them and
keeps them obedient to the faith through Jesus Christ to the glory of God
forever.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Great Australian Bight SA 2014 L Osburn |
God of glory, you teach us through
the scriptures of the many ways we serve you. Sometimes we must go into battle,
sometimes praise is service. Sometimes waiting patiently is obedience to you
and being watchful and holding true to our faith is the most important thing to
do. Help us discern the best way to serve you so that your peace, your praise
and your glory may ring out across this world you love through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
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