26 June 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Friday 26
June 2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalms
137: 1 – 6 (7 – 9) and 138
The
song of the exiles... “By the river of Babylon”. The psalmist feels the pain
and anguish of the destruction of Jerusalem and worries about forgetting yet
finding it impossible to sing.
The
second psalm is a song of praise and deliverance and ends with the psalmist
faithfully claiming, “the Lord will fulfil his purpose for me” (v.8).
1
Samuel 20: 12 – 34
Jonathon
and David in the field develop a strategy to get a message to David that either
Saul means no harm or that Saul wants to kill him. Jonathon pledges his
friendship to David and asks that should he die that David always love his
family. David swears again his loyalty for Jonathon.
The
new moon feast is on. David’s absence is noted. Nothing is said the first night
since he might have had a mishap and may be ritually unclean. On the second
night King Saul queries his absence. Jonathon says David had asked permission
to be a sacrifice with his family. Saul enraged, abuses Jonathon verbally and
tells him that unless David dies Jonathon and his children will not reign. He
demands Jonathon send for David so that he can be killed. Jonathon asks what
has David done? Saul throws his spear at Jonathon who leaves angry, humiliated
and grieving for David.
Acts
13: 26 – 41
Paul,
in the synagogue in Antioch continues to tell the story of Jesus. He says that
the people of Jerusalem did not understand what Jesus was saying and did not
recognise who he was and so fulfilled all the prophesies. Though he had
committed no wrong they had him killed.
His
resurrection was foretold in the scriptures and Paul quotes the texts.
He
proclaims that through this man forgiveness of sins is possible in a way not
possible through the Law of Moses. He then quotes Habakkuk and tells those who
scoff to be amazed for in their day unbelievable things will be done.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Crashing Cockatoo It was "surfing" on a tree in a storm and crashed. It flew off unharmed and came back to try again. Lake Mulwala NSW 2015 L Osburn |
God of
grace and deliverance, you bring salvation and the way out of dark and
dangerous times. Be with us in all we do today. Keep our hearts and minds open
to the unbelievable things you do in our lives daily and give you thanks through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts.
Amen.
Friday 26 June
April 2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalm 139
The psalmist loves, reveres and understands the
majesty and ever-presence of God. He wants to distance himself from anyone and
anything that is opposed to God – to actively step away. He appeals to God to
examine him, test him and lead him in the right way.
Sirach 24: 18 - 34
Wisdom invites us to inwardly digest all she has to
offer and we will hunger for more and if we work with her we will keep free
from sin.
Adam did not know the depths of Wisdom. We have the
Law from Moses and that helps but even at the end of time no one will fathom
her.
Sirach tells how he is using a small amount of wisdom
to write this book but it will grow and pour out teaching like a sea or a dawn
touching everyone who seeks wisdom.
James
4
James
outlines the challenges of being godly and living in the world. Conflict and
harm come because we want something and cannot have it. We have either not
asked for it or we ask wrongly because we are going to use it for ourselves –
our own wants and not God’s purposes.
James
likens this to adultery – we are cheating on God. God yearns jealously for the
spirit he made that dwells in us and he gives us grace when we are humble, not
arrogant and not seeking our own cravings. So seek God, be humble, repent and
evil will flee. Don’t judge others.
Instead
of thinking, “Tomorrow I’ll got to someplace and start a new venture”, think
instead, “If the Lord wishes we will….” Put everything you do before God first
for we are fragile and temporary in this world.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Sunset over Savernake NSW 2015 L Osburn |
Awesome
and magnificent God we stand reverently in your presence. You are the source of
all life, all wisdom and all love. Help us every day to seek you, your life,
your wisdom and your everlasting love so that we can come before you in
humility, ask for what you want to give us and acknowledge and receive your
precious gifts to us rejoicing and praising you all our lives through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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