13 June 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 13 June 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalms 101 and 102: 1 – 11

The first psalm is a statement of commitment to justice and to work hard to live a righteous life. The portion of the second psalm is a lament. The psalmist is unwell and in great pain unable to eat or sleep and tormented by others who suggest God has deserted him.

1 Samuel 14: 36 – 48

Saul wishes to pursue the Philistines in the night. The priest advises that it is better to now draw close to God. Saul gathers the leaders to discern what went wrong. He casts lots asking first, whether Saul and Jonathon brought about the sin or did the people? The lots indicate the royal pair. He casts lots again between he and Jonathon. Jonathon is indicated. Jonathon confesses that he ate honey. Saul decrees that Jonathon must die. The people disagree saying that it was Jonathon who won the day. Thus the people ransom Jonathon.

Saul ceases pursuing the Philistines that day. During his reign he systematically fights off the Philistines and Moabites and others, victorious every time.

Acts 9: 19b – 31

Saul (aka Paul) stays with the disciples in Damascus for several days. He begins teaching in the synagogue proving that Jesus is the Messiah. The believers in Damascus are concerned initially knowing Saul’s reputation. He earns their trust and confounds the Jews. The Hellenistic Jews plot to kill him. They watch the gates. Saul is let out of the city in a basket. He goes to Jerusalem. The disciples there are afraid of him. Barnabas advocates for Saul telling the story of Saul’s encounter with Christ on the road and how boldly Saul taught about Christ. The believers accept him and send him to Tarsus.

Collect for Morning Prayer

No matter how small: still a lifeboat
Gladstone Qld 2015 L Osburn

 God of justice and compassion, throughout history your people have ransomed others who have sinned and brought them back into communion. You have done that for all humans. Be with us this and every day so that in our new freedom won by you we may live lives to your glory and the service of your kingdom through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Saturday 13 June 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 102: 12 – 18

This second portion of the lament turns into a hymn of prayer and praise to God. God will look after us; hears our prayers and is eternal.

Sirach 6: 14 – 31

Real friends are a shelter, a sturdy treasure and life-saving medicine. Those who fear God direct their friendships well and their neighbours are like them.

Again we are encouraged to take up the yoke and discipline of wisdom. The burden will be hard – a yoke, and fetters – but the reward is worth the effort changing us forever and being both protection and clothing of honour.

2 Corinthians 10: 13 – 11: 6

Paul talks about how he works within the range he has been given. He was the first to bring the good news to Corinth and hopes to be able to take it to other places. Any boasting about the growth of the church should be boasting in God alone. The Lords commendations are the ones of value.

Paul uses the metaphor of the church as the wife of Christ. Just as Eve was tempted so the Corinthians have been led away from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. They have believed in a “different Jesus” and received a “different spirit” and a “different gospel” because other disciples have arrived and are trying to turn the church from the original Jesus and the original message.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Stained glass window
Mission to Seafarers Gladstone Qld 2015
L Osburn

Holy Lord you always look after us and want the best for us. Help us to be and to look out for friends who revere you. Help us accept your challenge and your discipline and assist our friends to do the same so that we all grow in wisdom and maturity confident to share the gospel and our sincere and pure devotion to you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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