30 June 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 30 June 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalms 148 and 149

These two psalms call on every part of creation to praise and glorify God.  Parts call for dance and celebration of victory. It calls the priests to have 2-edged swords to get rid of those powers and rulers that distract people from God.

1 Samuel 22: 6 – 23

Saul is told David’s location. He rails against the Benjaminites who form his guard accusing them of being part of a conspiracy with Jonathon and David. Doeg the Edomite reveals that the priest Ahimelech from Nob gave David supplies and the sword of Goliath.

King Saul calls for Ahimelech and all the members of his household. Saul questions the priest and accuses him of conspiracy to commit treason. Ahimelech defends saying he knows nothing of the intrigue. David was faithful to Saul, so Ahimelech was doing no wrong.

King Saul tells his guard to kill the priests of Nob. They refuse. Saul turns to Doeg who kills 85 people who served in priestly roles in the city of Nob. He then puts to the sword, men, women, children, babies and their livestock.

Abiathar, one of the sons of Ahimelech, escapes and reports to David. David says he saw Doeg in Nob and knew he would tell Saul. David tells Abiathar to stay with him since Saul now seeks them both and he will be safe with David.

Acts 14: 8 – 18

In Lystra, Paul notices a man who from birth could not walk listening intently and having faith to be healed. Paul tells him to stand and he is healed. The people decide that Paul and Barnabas must be Greek gods. The priest at the temple of Zeus prepares oxen and brings garlands of flowers. When Paul and Barnabas hear they are so distressed they run into the crowds and tear their clothes. They say that they are mortals, that there is only one God who has allowed the Greeks to live by providing rains in their season and that the Greek gods are worthless. Even though Paul said these things the crowd can barely be restrained from worshipping them.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Grevillea
The Abbey Jamberoo NSW
2010 L Osburn

Wonderful Lord full of grace and mercy, you are the origin of all things seen and unseen. You enable us to see clearly who are your faithful ones, who are the ones who do your will. Give us the courage to stand against challenge today and to give glory and honour and praise to you so that we show ourselves to be faithful and bring your peace to our communities through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Tuesday 30 June April 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 144 and 150

The first psalm is of a king who has prepared for war, he calls on God to be the strong deliverer. He expresses humility not just for himself but all people, asks for God to be with them in routing the enemy. The psalmist will sing praises, the youth and the land will flourish, there will be peace and all happiness will be restored once the battle is won.

The last psalm is of joyful and exuberant praise – instruments, dancing. “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord” (v6).

Sirach 37: 1 – 16

Sirach talks of discerning good friends from false ones. Good friends don’t incline to evil nor turn on you when trouble comes. Some people you think are friends only because you feed them might be the ones who are your real supports when it matters.

Be cautious in seeking advice and check the vested interest of the counsellor or advisor. Don’t take advice or guidance from people whose lives are the opposite of what you are seeking to learn. For example, don’t ask a buyer about how to sell or a merciless person about kindness. Seek instead godly people who you know keep the commandments, who are like-minded and who will grieve if you fail. Heed the counsel of your own heart but above all pray that The Most High may direct your way in truth.

“Discussion is the beginning of every work, and counsel precedes every undertaking” (v 16).

Titus 2

Paul instructs Titus to teach sound doctrine and right behaviour consistent with the times and culture to the elders, women, young people and slaves. We are to renounce impiety and worldly passions, to live lives that are self-controlled upright and godly while we wait for Jesus.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Gathering of Rural Women
Ganmain NSW 2008 

O God most high, we worship you and thank you for all your blessings and your guidance. Though many of us are not actually in a war you have given us the gifts, skills and strategy to fight our own good fight and live lives of faith, compassion and grace. Where ever we are and what ever we are confronting, assist us to find like-minded and faithful people, to form strong friendships, to consult, to support and be supported by so that our lives may be lived for your glory and praise through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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