8 August 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 8 August 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 89: 1 – 18

This section of the psalm praises God for faithfulness and steadfastness in all generations, for the creation of the earth and the victory over chaos. Happy are the people who sing praises and walk in God’s pathway.

Hosea 10: 1 – 12 (13 – 15)

Hosea states that in Canaan as Israel flourishes so it builds altars to other gods. They dishonour agreements and contracts and litigation is everywhere. But the idols and false kings will be carried off or perish. If they repent, are genuine and sow righteousness then the Lord can come. But they have sown wickedness and the crop will be destruction.

John 12: 12 – 36a

Jesus rides into the town on a young donkey colt. This fulfils the scriptures.  People wave palm branches and shout Hosanna. The Pharisees see that the people believe in Jesus and that nothing can be done to stop it.

Some Greeks ask to talk with Jesus. Jesus tells them what is to come and through his death on the cross, the ruler of the world will be defeated, God will be glorified and people everywhere will be drawn to God.

The people cannot understand so he says to them that he is a light, it is with them a little while, they are to walk with him now, to stay in the light and they will become children of light.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Mandurah WA
2014 L Osburn

O God our leader and guide, in scripture we are reminded that those who walk with you, who do your will and who sow seeds of righteousness, walk in holy light and experience your grace. Help us walk with you so that we live our lives as your children, others see and are drawn to you in ways no humans or fears can stop through Jesus Christ or Lord. Amen.

Friday 8 August 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 89: 19 – 37

This section of the psalm states the unalterable covenant with David and his line forever even if the children violate God’s laws, the relationship with David will continue.

Lamentations 3: 1 – 33

In this section an individual laments hardship as a result of perceived punishment - of God’s wrath. But the writer reminds himself that God’s steadfast loves and mercies are forever and freshly given every morning. Those who wait in silence for the salvation of the Lord are rewarded and being humbled early in life is a good lesson. God doesn’t afflict people with grief. God has compassion “according to the abundance of his steadfast love” (v. 32).

Romans 8: 18 – 27

We live lives that include suffering and decay. We hold out hope in release to eternal life. Hope is not hope if we see that hope delivered. Hope is hope because the thing hoped for cannot be seen. We wait patiently.

And the spirit within us intercedes with God even when we cannot find the words to pray. Our spirit intercedes in sighs too deep for words.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Quiet Kangaroo at Dusk (almost invisible)
Denmark WA 2014 L Osburn

God of eternal love and mercy you know and have lived as one of us in this challenging world. You know oppression, grief, heartache, torture and cruelty. Hear the wordless sighs of your spirit in us. Give us courage to work for a better world and grace to recognise your gift of redemption and salvation for all, so that we may experience your love and mercy every day and share our hope in you through Jesus Christ, Amen.