12 July 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 12 July 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalm 145: 1 – 12

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.

Acts 13: 42 – 14: 7

Paul and Barnabas leave the synagogue and as they go the people ask them to come again next Sabbath and preach. They do. Crowds gather and jealousy overtakes some of the Jews who dispute in an extreme way. Paul responds saying that it was only right they preach to the Jews first and if they reject their testimony they will go to the Gentiles to whom they are also sent. The Gentiles rejoice. Key Jewish community leaders are incited to persecute Paul and Barnabas and drive them from the city. They leave and go to Iconium filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

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

Albany and King George Sound - misty morning
WA 2014 L Osburn

Wonderful God you are great and loving beyond all words. We are in awe of your love and care for us. You place us in a world of challenge and opportunity where your love and mercy inspires and protects us. May we in your world, show our faith and show our courage given to us by your Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday 12 July 2015

Evening Prayer

2 Samuel 6: 20 – 23

Michal, David’s first wife who Saul gave to another, chastises David for dancing in the streets when the Ark of the Covenant is returned. David responds that he was not dancing for an audience but for the Lord and he is happy to abase himself like this and will abase himself more before the Lord. But for the maids or others who watched, they will honour him.

Michal has no children her whole life.

Psalm 85

We are reminded of God’s forgiveness and the historical evidence of restoring people of faith. The psalmist asks for quiet to listen to God who will speak peace to the faithful and give salvation. “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other” (v.10).

Ephesians 1: 15 – 23

Paul says that ever since he heard about the Ephesians he has given thanks and praise to God. Paul prays that they receive wisdom and revelation to know God better, that their eyes can be enlightened to see the hope of their glorious inheritance and God’s power. God’s power was exerted in Christ to raise him from the dead, seat him at God’s right hand and place all things under Christ’s feet to be the head of God’s church.

Collect for Evening Prayer

The water pump
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord you are the one who speaks peace and salvation to your faithful people. You have given Christ your son our Lord to be the head of your church eternally. Keep us humble, keep our ears open, and fill us with your wisdom so that we come to know you more deeply and celebrate with joy our glorious inheritance with you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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