Tuesday 5 August 2014

6 August 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 


Wednesday 6 August 2014 
Morning Prayer

Psalm 86

The psalmist approaches God in humility and reverent recognition asking for assistance. Praise and honour are awarded to God and the psalmist asks to walk in truth and to have a heart for God alone. Thanks are given to God for steadfast love.

The main request is for help against the “insolent” who are threatening the psalmist’s life. The psalmist acknowledges that God is, merciful, gracious and overflowing with love so asks for grace and strength in this time of challenge so that those causing trouble may see, reflect and repent.

Hosea 8

Hosea continues the indictment of the Israel who has been worshipping idols and other Gods and setting up kings without seeking God’s will. Israel has forgotten her maker and will return to slavery.

John 11: 38 – 54

Jesus comes to Lazarus’s tomb and asks for help to open it. Martha warns him of the stench. Jesus reminds her that he had just said, if she believed she would see the glory of God. Jesus prays aloud so that all understand God is doing this not Jesus. He calls Lazarus who comes out. Jesus instructs them to free Lazarus from the wrappings.

The Jews who witness Lazarus’s restoration believe in Jesus and spread the news. The Pharisees and chief priests are aware of a potential backlash from the Roman occupation forces. Caiaphas says that it is better for one person to die for the nation than for everyone to be destroyed and Caiaphas prophesies that Jesus’s death would not only be for the nation but all the children of God. Jesus knows the risks and goes north towards the wilderness.


Collect for Morning Prayer


Morning over the Southern Ocean
SA 2014 L Osburn

Glorious God of restoration and hope, you do not want even one of us to be lost. May we, like Jesus, walk in truth and have a heart for you alone so that by our lives and actions your glory may be revealed and others come to know and love you through Jesus Christ or Lord. Amen.








Wednesday 6 August 2014
Evening Prayer

Psalm 88

This is a prayer of a faithful person who has been seriously ill since childhood and now believes they are close to death. The prayer asks God to listen. The psalmist is bold with God. “Is your steadfast love declared in the grave…?” (v.11). The only sense of hope in this psalm is in God’s response.

Lamentations 2: 1 – 10

Israel and the temple are utterly destroyed and abandoned. The people, old and young mourn.

Romans 8: 1 – 6

For those who are in Christ there is no condemnation. Those who live according to the Spirit, who set their minds on the things of the Spirit, will have life and peace. Those who set their minds on selfish concerns – on their needs and achievements will find only death.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Ruins Eucla WA
2014 L Osburn

Compassionate and loving God you are with us through illness and you are there when we call on you even when our lives and selfish pursuits result in grief. Turn our hearts and minds to you so that loving you and walking in your Spirit we may obtain your life and peace through Jesus Christ, Amen.

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