29 June 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 29 June 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 145

This psalm praises and blesses God for all the great acts of creation, mercy, salvation, awesome acts, steadfast love, compassion, and might. What God has done proclaims the glory of the kingdom. That kingdom will endure forever.

On a more personal level God is faithful, gracious, upholds people while they are falling, raises up people who are oppressed. God provides as required, in time and with justice. God hears, saves and watches us. We will praise the Lord and all living things will bless God forever.

1 Samuel 21: 8 – 22: 5

David asks Ahimelech the priest, whether there is a sword since he left without his. The priest has Goliath’s sword and gives it to David.

David flees to King Achish of Gath. The king’s servants tell the king of David’s warrior reputation. David takes it to heart, is afraid and so pretends to be mad. He scratches walls and dribbles. The king would rather not have another mad person in his community.

David leaves and hides in a cave at Adullam. His family hears and joins him as do many who are in distress, debt and discontented. There are 400 people and he becomes their captain.

David goes to Moab and asks the king there to provide a safe place for his parents. Thvybstay there while David is in hiding.

A prophet tells David to go to Judah. David goes to the forest of Hereth.

Acts 14: 1 – 7

In Iconium Paul and Barnabas again preach at the synagogue and many people become believers including Gentiles. The unbelievers stir up both the Jews and the Gentiles so that the city becomes divided: Jews versus Apostles. Those opposed to the apostles, both Jews and Gentiles plan to stone Paul and Barnabas. The two hear and escape to Lycaonia where they continue proclaiming the good news.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Part of the Fishing Fleet
Fremantle Harbour WA 2014 L Osburn

 Almighty God, you care for us and abundantly shower us with your grace and mercy. When trouble is great you gift us with insight, awareness and the power of your spirit. You provide us with ways out of seemingly impossible situations so that we are where you need us to be. Help us today to stay serene knowing that you will provide in time and with justice so that we may discern correctly, act with courage and confidence and give thanks to you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Monday 29 June April 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 147

This psalm rejoices in singing praise to a gracious God. God builds up the community, gathers the outcasts, heals the broken-hearted and binds their wounds. This is the same God who created the stars. Sing to God.

God brings the rain that produces grass and feeds the animals and allows birds to sing. God isn’t interested in who is the fastest or strongest but in our reverence.

The city of the faithful is charged to praise the Lord: for itself, the safety of the children, the peace. This God who controls all the weather looks after us. No other God is like our God.

Sirach 35: 1 – 17

When we keep the law that is many offerings. When we keep the commandments we give well-being. Returning kindness and giving alms is giving thanks. Staying free from wickedness and being righteous is atonement. Don’t come empty-handed to the Lord; all we offer is a fulfilment of the commandment to love God. Be generous when you worship the Lord. Have a cheerful face and give as you can afford, generously and gladly. God however, does not take bribes. God will listen to those who have been wronged, to the widow and the orphan.

Titus 1

Paul gives Titus instructions on the way in which he is to build the church in Crete – his careful selection of elders and their characteristics and a bishop. He is to silence those who reject the truth, operate on myths and do not work well with the local people. People with pure hearts will see the good in others but the corrupt will think nothing is pure. Some will even profess to love God but act in ways that deny their belief – they fail to do good.

Collect for Evening Prayer

All ahead full
Gladstone Qld 2015 L Osburn

O God of relationship and community, you have given us clear instructions of how to love you, live, give and sacrifice ourselves to build your church, your community of believers and to grow in faith. Help us to always love you first and out of that love let the necessary generosity, care and concern for all your people flow so that we profess our faith in words, praise and in action through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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