9 June 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 9 June 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 89: 39 - 53

The psalm is about a descendant of David for whom there has been losses in battle, destruction of the city and removal of the office of King. It laments the withdrawal of the support and protection of God. This is an appeal to God to remember the promises to David.

1 Samuel 12: 1 – 18 (19 – 25)

Samuel calls the people and asks them to verify his ethics that he is not corrupt and has taken no bribes. He reminds all of the great deeds of the Lord from the time of Joseph to the present. He tells them that if the king and they are faithful to God all will be well but if they rebel against God then God will be against the king and the people. Samuel calls up a storm as a sign. The people commit to God and to the king. Samuel calls them to repentance and says he will always pray for them and will guide them. He repeats that they are to fear the Lord, serve God faithfully and consider all they things God has done for them.

Saul makes the burnt offerings of well-being himself without Samuel. As soon as it is done Samuel arrives and challenges Saul about doing something for which he is neither qualified nor appointed. In Saul’s defence he says he was about to engage in battle without being in the Lord’s favour. Samuel charges him with disobedience, with not keeping the commandment and prophesies that his family line will lose the kingship. 

Samuel leaves. Saul counts his troops. The Philistines send out 3 raiding parties. Saul's people have no weapons (only Saul and his son Johnathon). Even their farming tools are blunt since the Philistines control all metal sharpening at exorbitant prices.

Acts 8: 14 – 25

Peter and John arrive and since the people have only been baptised in the name of Jesus, the apostles laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Simon, the Samaritan who had previously been a magician offers to pay the apostles, Peter and John so that he can get the power to give the Holy Spirit to others. Peter tells Simon he cannot buy this gift with money, that his heart is not aligned to God and that he should repent. Simon asks Peter to pray for him.

Peter and John continue to teach and proclaim the good news in Samaria. They return to Jerusalem.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Quietly on Mt Buffalo
Vic 2015 E Byford

 Holy and loving God you know our hearts and our intentions. You know that sometimes we stumble. Bitterness and distrust come into our hearts. Bring us your faithful ones to challenge and correct us. Give us access to people who can intercede for us when we are beyond being able to form the prayers ourselves so that we may listen, repent and be restored to you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Tuesday 9 June April 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 91

This psalm is one of reassurance and comfort about the care and protection the faithful have from God. “For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (v.11)”. This is a reminder of God’s loving protection and deliverance to those who call for salvation.

Sirach 2

When we come to the Lord prepare to be tested. We are not to be impetuous when calamity strikes. We are to be patient when humiliated. Remember gold is tested in fire. We are to wait for God’s mercy, trust in God, hope for good things – lasting joy and mercy. God is compassionate and merciful.

We are to have courage. We are to trust, act, be strong – have nerve. We are not to walk a double path.

If we fear and love the Lord we will keep God’s ways. We will fulfil God’s law and prepare our hearts to be humble before God. We are to fall into the hands of the Lord, not into the hands of mortals. For God is compassionate and merciful: God’s name is great are so are God’s works.

2 Corinthians 8: 1 – 15

Paul writes that the church in Macedonia though in poverty, gave even beyond their means to support ministry. Titus now can assist the Corinthians to complete their giving program. Since they are diligent in other matters Paul knows they will excel in this.

He challenges them to give from their means. He does not command them. They are to give in a balanced way not to make themselves poor. He quotes Exodus (16:18) that those who had much did not have too much and that those who had little did not have too little.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Hen and chicks
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

Opening the "cookie jar"
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

God of wonders and compassion you have sent your angels to guard those who fear and love you. Challenge us to trust you, to fear only you and to have the nerve so that we can act. Help us give from our means in a balanced way so that we are part of your response to those who call to you for salvation through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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