16 June 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 16 June 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 105: 1 – 22

The psalm praises God’s faithfulness in caring for and protecting his people. It praises creation and God’s love. This portion recalls the early story of Abraham through to Joseph being placed in charge of Pharaoh’s household.

1 Samuel 15: 17 – 35

Samuel confronts Saul telling him that he sees himself too small whereas God made him king. God sent him on a mission and he did not do as instructed. Again Saul says the animals were taken for sacrifice. Samuel says God is not interested in sacrifices but in obedience. Rebellion is a sin and stubbornness a form of idolatry. God rejects Saul as king.

Saul confesses saying he feared the people and obeyed their voice and not God’s. He wants Samuel to return with him to worship God. Samuel refuses; turns away. Saul grabs part of his robe. It tears. Samuel says that the Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from him and given it to a neighbour. God is not a mortal. God will not make a different decision.

Saul again asks Samuel to worship with him. Samuel agrees, worships then with a sword, kills Agag, the king of the Amalekites. Samuel goes to Ramah and does not see Saul again until the day of his death. Samuel grieves over Saul.

Acts 10: 1 – 16

In Caesarea Cornelius a centurion of the Italian Cohort, who is a devout, believer in God, gives alms and prays has a vision. He is told to send men to Joppa and bring back Simon called Peter who is in the house of Simon the tanner by the seaside. Cornelius sends two slaves and a believing soldier to Joppa.

Meanwhile in Joppa Peter has a vision of a sheet being lowered to the ground. In it are all manner of creatures, reptiles and birds. A voice says, “Get up Peter: kill and eat.” Peter responds that he has never eaten anything profane or unclean. The voice says, “What God has made clean you must not call profane.” The vision happens three times.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Unfolding fronds
The Abbey, Benedictine Community Jamberoo
NSW 2012 L Osburn

 Loving and caring God you chose us and you choose us. Through your grace we are open and aware of you. Help us this day to accept deep within ourselves that we have been selected. Help us to know we have missions to fulfil, your love protects and guides us and that tough circumstances can be part of your plan so that we look and see you, listen and hear you and act to your glory and honour all our days through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Tuesday 16 June April 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 105: 23 – 45

The psalm continues to praise God’s faithfulness to the covenant and tells the story of the famine, Israel going to Egypt, the Exodus and the arrival in the Promised Land. Praise the Lord.

Sirach 10: 12 – 28

Human pride is the start of forsaking God. The proud, the haughty are replaced by the humble.

Pride was not created for humans nor was violent anger for anyone who was born of a woman.

Human offspring who fear the Lord are worthy of honour. Those who break the commandments are not worthy.

The rich, the eminent and the poor find their glory in the Lord. No one is greater than the person that fears God.

Honour yourself with humility and give yourself the esteem you deserve. If you condemn yourself there is no one to undo that and if you dishonour yourself, how can anyone honour you?

2 Corinthians 11: 16 - 29

Paul asks not to be thought of as a fool but, if he is let him really have a great boast about how foolish he is. For a start the Corinthians being wise, put up with a lot of foolishness. They have put up with being made slaves, or being the prey of others, being taken advantage of, being put down and being abused. Paul admits he is too foolish to do any of that to them.

Are the Hebrews, the Israelites or descendants of Abraham fools? So is he. Are the ministers of Christ fools? He is truly the biggest fool since he has been imprisoned, flogged, lashed, beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked adrift on the sea, beset by bandits and false brothers and sisters. He has had toil, hardship, sleepless nights, been hungry, thirsty, cold and naked and under daily pressure worrying about all the churches. Who is the weak one? And if anyone is made to stumble, Paul is the one who gets indignant.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Tranquil Lagoon
Deniliquin NSW 2013 L Osburn

Almighty and everlasting God you are our protector and great reward. You stand up for us when someone makes us stumble. You lift us up when we call upon you. You make our love and reverence of you the thing about us that brings honour and greatness. We thank you for this day and bring all that we have thought said and done to you in humility, love and praise through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Please leave a comment or feedback.