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.
No comments:
Post a Comment