16 July 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 16 July 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 38

The psalmist is dreadfully ill, so much so that friends stand a bit further away and people who seek harm spread rumours. The psalmist stays quiet, trusting God, praying and asking for God’s salvation.

2 Samuel 2: 1 – 17

David inquires of the Lord whether he should go to any of the towns in Judah? The reply from God is Hebron. David takes his wives men and households there. The people make him king of Judah. When he hears that the people of Jabesh-gilead have honoured Saul and Jonathon by properly burying them, he sends them a message of greeting and blessing.

Abner, Saul’s commander installs one of Saul’s remaining sons as king in Israel. David’s commander Joab meets Abner at a pool at Gibeon. They match young men who fight hand to hand. David’s men win the fight that begins the war with Israel.

John 6: 1 – 15

Jesus goes to the other side of the Sea of Galilee and sees a great crowd of people following firstly because it was near Passover and secondly because they had heard of his healing. He shares a few barley loaves and fish among the crowd and all are fed with much left over.

Jesus goes further into the mountains alone when he realises the people want to make him king.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Beside the Blackwood River
WA 2014 L Osburn

Great provider God, you direct us where we need to be and give us grace to honour even those who are our enemies. Help us hear and believe in your Word and walk every day filled with your Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Thursday 16 July 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 39

The psalmist is mortally ill and perceives his illness to be punishment from God. He decides to be calm and quiet in the presence of people who would bring him more grief. He asks to know how much time he has left. Humans are like passing guests, aliens. The psalmist asks for a little relief so that he can smile before he dies.

Song of the Three Young Men 1 – 22

In Prayer of Azariah 29 – 51

This is a song praising all the characteristics of God: where God is, what God has done, with the reprise “sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever”. The three young men call upon all parts of creation to praise and exalt God.

Galatians 6: 11 – 18

Paul signs off the letter in his own handwriting. Paul does not boast in how many converts he has made but only of the cross of Christ. Being circumcised or not, Jew or not, isn’t a relevant issue. What is relevant is the new creation won by Christ and from that comes peace and mercy for all. Paul does not want to be upset by disputes like those the Galatians have endured. He carries the marks of persecution for being Christian on his body. He knows the risks of being Christian. Paul blesses the Galatians.

Collect for Evening Prayer

The Travellers' Cross at sunset
Eucla WA 2014 L Osburn

Almighty God, you are indeed worthy to be praised and exalted forever. You have redeemed us through Christ’s crucifixion for your mercy’s sake. May we be reminded today to never boast of anything except the cross of Christ so that we honour your gift and give you our deep sacrifice of praise through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Please leave a comment or feedback.