2 September 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 2 September 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 5 and 6

This first psalm asks for God to hear the prayers of the victim of harmful lies. God has no time for wickedness. The psalmist will go to the temple knowing that he too is not yet righteous and needs help to stay on the path. The psalmist takes the problem to God and does not retaliate. Instead he asks for all who take refuge in the Lord to experience joy and protection and exult and bless the Lord.

Debilitating and terrifying illness has struck the psalmist. It is shaking the psalmist’s faith. God is asked to lovingly respond. The psalmist stands against evil and proclaims the Lord’s swift response.

2 Chronicles 35: 10 – 27

King Josiah’s Passover is described in detail. Even those watching the gates of the city are helped to participate.

The chapter ends with king Josiah’s death in battle against Neco of Egypt – a battle that was not his. Josiah’s death is lamented and recorded is the Book of Kings.

Acts 23: 25 – 24: 9

The tribune writes a letter to the governor explaining all that has transpired and why he is sending Paul, a Roman citizen to him. The governor keeps Paul safe and Ananias high priest, some elders and Tertullus the lawyer come to explain their case against Paul. They accuse Paul of being a pest, a member of the Nazarene sect and profaning the temple. They ask the governor to examine Paul. Their whole group asserts that the accusations are true.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The Gardener's Lodge University of Sydney
2014 L Osburn

God of the Passover, who protects your people of faith, look upon us in this time of conflict and terrifying illness where our faith is shaken and we are tempted to join battles that are not ours. Help us to enable others to seek you, your examination and your justice. Keep all your children safe from terror so that we may find refuge in you and exult and bless your name through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen

Tuesday 2 September 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 7 and 8

In the first psalm, someone who was an ally has been harmed and the blame is being focused on the psalmist. The psalmist seeks God’s protection, calls on God to search him out and judge. The psalmist is also aware that the snares the wicked set can turn against them. The psalmist is confident in a right relationship with God and is willing to repent. The psalmist promises to praise God when rescued.

God’s majesty is praised. Every human sound is praise to God. And the psalmist marvels at that. How is it that humans have such a special place when we consider the expanse of the heavens? The psalm ends in awe, wonder and praise.

Tobit 12

Tobit and Tobias resolve to give Raphael half of all they have brought back with them since none of it would have been possible without him. Raphael calls them, instructs them to praise and bless God for everything that has occurred and not to hide it. They are to give alms and continue to be faithful and generous. He reveals that he is an angel; that it was he who heard Sarah and Tobit’s prayers and took them to God. The instruction is to bless God every day and sing his praises. Raphael ascends, they see him no more.

1 John 2: 1 – 11

The writer encourages us not to sin but if we do we have an advocate: Jesus Christ. If we say we are faithful but do not obey the commandments we are liars, there is no truth in us and we are in the darkness. If we obey then we should walk as Jesus walked.

If we say we are “in the light” but hate a fellow believer we are in the darkness, we are blind and do not know where we are going.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Blessings at St Mark's
South Hurstville NSW 2014

Holy and mighty God, when we consider all you have done and all the blessings you have provided for us our hearts can only respond in praise and thanksgiving. When things are tough you want us to walk in mercy and love with you to turn from hate and turn to your love and grace. Help us this night to sit in quiet awe and give you thanks and praise for all the blessings you have poured on us and especially for the gift of your son Jesus Christ who died for us all. Amen.