5 August 2014
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Tuesday 5
August 2014
Morning
Prayer
Psalms 82 and 84
The first psalm sets a scene of God judging all the
other Gods. They lack knowledge or compassion. They will be destroyed. The psalmist
petitions God alone to judge the earth.
A day living in the presence of God is better than
anything imaginable. A day on to journey to God’s dwelling place is filled with
refreshment: “they go from strength to strength” (v. 7).
Hosea 7: 8 – 16
The Northern Kingdom is unfaithful to God and seeks
alliances with Egypt. Hosea states that in God’s view they are silly like a
wheeling dove – directionless. They know they are doing the wrong thing and
fail to turn back to God.
John 11: 17 – 37
Jesus arrives at Martha and Mary’s home in the
aftermath of Lazarus’s death. Martha greets him and declares her faith that
Jesus could have healed him and that Lazarus will rise again on the last day.
Jesus proclaims that he is the resurrection and the life. She declares her firm
belief that he is the Messiah.
Martha goes to Mary who comes out to meet Jesus. The
Jews, who are mourning with her, follow her. Mary kneels at Jesus’s feet and
also declares that he could have healed Lazarus. Jesus weeps.
The crowd says that if Jesus could give a blind man
sight he could have healed Lazarus.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Fishing vessel: helm and directional equipment Fremantle Harbour WA 2014 L Osburn |
God of compassion,
who grieves over us, you alone are the source of our strength; you alone are
our source of refreshment. When we stay on the journey with you we have
direction and purpose. Help us to kneel at your feet in thanks and praise so
that we remain aware of your grace and love for us all through Jesus Christ or
Lord. Amen.
Tuesday 5 August 2014
Evening
Prayer
Psalms 85 and 87
The first psalm reminds us all of God’s forgiveness
and historical evidence of restoring people of faith. The psalmist asks for
quiet to listen to God who will speak peace to the faithful and give salvation.
“Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss
each other” (v.10).
The second psalm is of praise for Zion, the mother
city of believers everywhere. It is the basis for the hymn “Glorious things of
you are spoken, Zion city of our God.”
Lamentations 1: 11b – 22
God has abandoned Zion. The city is desolate, there is
no food, all is destruction and strength sapping sorrow. The writer recognises
the rebellion of the people. There is weeping and no comfort from any source.
The section ends with a plea that the enemy have the same experience.
Romans 7: 13 – 25
Paul talks about the Law saying that it is spiritual
and that all people may be willing to do what is right but we cannot – we are
in fact slaves to sin – no matter how hard we try. If we do things that we do
not want to do, it is sin doing it. So, delight in the Law – it keeps us aware
of our sins. Who will rescue us from this state: God through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Sculpture of a Fisher Fremantle Harbour Note the name of the boat behind WA 2104 L Osburn |
Saviour God, you have rescued
us by grace, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord and redeemer. None of us
can escape sin except through your love, peace and forgiveness. Be with us now
as we bring our lives to you. Clear away all our failings and rebellion and
bring us to you so that we your faithful ones may enjoy your steadfast love, righteousness
and peace through Jesus Christ, Amen.
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