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.