1 July 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 1 July 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalms 1 and 2

People who set themselves apart from all the turmoil of the world, who contemplate God, and God’s laws are like trees with good soil and water that bear fruit, don’t wither but prosper. The wicked are like chaff – an empty hull – they will not be with God at the end.

A rhetorical psalm asking why some people think they can break the bond between God and his anointed one (messiah). The psalmist thinks it is laughable. God is all-powerful and the anointed one is his begotten son. God’s power could be used to punish and correct. Let humans be warned to respect God. Those that take refuge in the Lord will be happy.

1 Samuel 23: 1 – 18

David hears that the Philistines are fighting the people of Keilah a town in the territory controlled by Saul. David inquires of the Lord and is told to go and fight. His force resist out of fear. David asks God again and is told to go. They go and win the city.

Saul hears where David is, in a walled city and sees this as the opportunity he needs. David consults Abiathar and asks him to bring the ephod. David prays and God answers that Saul will come and attack. David and his people disperse in the landscape so that Saul cannot find them. He gives up the hunt. David is in the wilderness near Horesh when he hears that Saul is seeking his life.

Jonathon, Saul’s son comes to David and tells him not to worry. Saul will not find him. Jonathon and David make a covenant that David will be King of Israel and Jonathon his deputy. Jonathon returns home.

Acts 14: 19 – 28

In Lystra where Paul and Barnabas try to stop the people thinking they were Greek Gods, the Jews who were against them in Antioch arrive. These Jews win over the people who stone Paul and thinking he is dead drag him out of the city. The disciples surround Paul and he gets up. He and Barnabas go to Derbe.

In Derbe they make many disciples. They return to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch strengthening the disciples there and encouraging them in the faith. They proclaim that persecutions are part of the faith journey. They continue on to other towns bringing the good news and then return again to Antioch where they stay for some time.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Milawa Vic 2015
L Osburn

Amazing and wonderful God you protect those who are faithful to you through persecutions, being outlawed and being stoned. Where your work is to be done you are there for your faithful ones. Be with us this day wherever we are. Guide our actions whether they are to stand or to retreat or to return to a place knowing that we do your will through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Wednesday 1 July April 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 3 and 4

People who say that faith in God is pointless surround the psalmist. Yet the psalmist prays and the prayers are answered; sleeps and is sustained by God. There is no fear and the psalmist leaves any reprisals to God.

The psalmist begins by acknowledging God’s grace and comfort in the past and asks for prayers to be answered. The psalmist guides us: when we are upset, we are not to do the wrong thing but take time, ponder what is going on, put aside our self and put our trust in God. If we want a sign from God, the psalmist recounts that through prayer, right sacrifice and putting our trust in God, the happiness and peace experienced are the real signs of God’s presence.

Sirach 39: 1 - 11

The person who devotes time to the study of the writings of the ancients, the wisdom, the prophecies, parables and proverbs and seeks out their meaning learns in every environment what is good and evil. This person rises early, prays and asks forgiveness for sins. The person receives understanding and wisdom and gives thanks. The Lord will direct this person’s counsel and knowledge. Many will benefit and it may be that nations speak of the wisdom of the person and give praise. And when the end comes, that is enough.

Titus 3

Paul gives direction to Titus. He is to remind people to obey the law and be subject to those who are ruling; to do good works; to speak evil of no one and not quarrel and, to be gentle and courteous.

God saved us by grace not because we were good. We have the water of rebirth and the Holy Spirit. We have been justified by grace through Jesus so that we are heirs of God’s eternal kingdom.

We are to avoid stupid controversies and quarrels about the law. After warning someone twice, have nothing to do with those who cause divisions – they condemn themselves.

Have the people devote themselves to good works that meet urgent needs and so that they are productive.

Paul ends with a blessing.

Collect for Evening Prayer

The Yurt at the Abbey: Listen with the ear of your heart
Where Lectio Divina is taught
Benedictine Community Jamberoo NSW 2012 L Osburn

Holy and wonderful Lord you have given us the wisdom of the ages through the Bible. Open our hearts and minds and will to you so that we reading these words of guidance for a good life may adopt behaviours that lead us to lives lived well and fully with you and to the glory of your kingdom through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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