Friday 17 July 2015

18 July 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 


Saturday 18 July 2015 
Morning Prayer   

Psalms 41 and 44: 1 - 9

The psalmist is sick. Illness was seen in the past as punishment for sin. Enemies hope the psalmist will die but come and visit being pleasant, then make plots when they leave. Even the psalmist’s best friend has turned his back. The psalmist prays for healing, restoration and vindication. God is blessed.

This portion of the second psalm reminds us of God’s actions in nation building and protecting the people in wars. They do not go into battle trusting in their own abilities but in God. And yet, now they have suffered a defeat.

2 Samuel 3: (2 – 5) 6 – 19

David’s house grows stronger and the house of Saul grows weaker. Ishbaal, the son of Saul now king of Israel accuses Abner, his commander, of sleeping with one of his father’s concubines. Abner protests and reminds Ishbaal of all the protection he has brought to Israel from David and from the Philistines. He immediately swears that he will do all in his power to fulfil God’s word that David is to be king over Israel and Judah.

Abner sends messages to David who says he will be king provided Michal, his original wife for whom he paid Saul is returned to him. Abner complies and Michal’s current husband follows her grieving. Abner sends him home.

Abner sends messages to all the elders of Israel and to the Benjaminites acknowledging their desire for David to be king of Israel. Then Abner goes to David at Hebron.

John 6: 35 – 51

Jesus states that he is the bread of life and those who believe in him will be raised up and have eternal life. He makes it clear to those who challenge him that God decides who will believe. It is through grace we are led to Jesus. So Jesus is not concerned that some people do not accept him. But those who believe have eternal life. And as the ancient people had manna in the wilderness so Christ will feed us so that we gain eternal life.


Collect for Morning Prayer

Mount Beauty Valley
Vic 2015 L Osburn
 Almighty and awesome God, your will is being done everywhere. Help us see that it is through your grace that people’s hearts are open to you. Help us know that through your grace divided nations are restored. Give us the humility we need to accept that it is not our actions but yours that make the difference so that we may obediently and calmly do those things that you need us to do to bring your light and love, joy and peace to this world through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.



Saturday 18 July 2015
Evening Prayer

Psalm 44: 10 – 27

In this psalm there has been a great defeat. The people are scattered, enslaved, had everything taken and destroyed. They are humiliated, derided, taunted, reviled and disgraced. But they do not forget God’s promise or turn their hearts away. If they had, would not God discover it? God knows our heart’s secrets. The psalmist ends with a call to God to rise, to come to our aid and redeem us through steadfast love.


Song of the Three Young Men 52 – 68 in Prayer of Azariah

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 humans, priests, servants, souls and spirits to and exalt God most especially since God has kept them from being consumed in the fiery furnace.


Romans 1: 16 – 25

Paul describes his confidence in the gospel and in its truth. He lives by faith and God’s righteousness is revealed through our faith to build our faith.

Paul explains that God’s power and presence is obvious to everyone just by looking at creation – eternal power and divine nature invisible to us yet present. People do not worship God but set up all sorts of idols to worship – thinking they are clever but really they are being silly. God allows that choice and all that follows from it including dreadful behaviour. The people serve creatures and other notions rather than the creator who is blessed forever. Amen.


Collect for Evening Prayer

Snow on the hills and a rainbow in the valley
Harrietville Vic 2015 L Osburn
Wonderful and faithful God you allow all humans freedom of choice and that means there are consequences even for innocent people. Be with us all the days of our lives and help us to choose prayer, exaltation and thanks no matter what, and to serve you and all people with love through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.


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