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 |
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.
Please leave a comment or feedback.
No comments:
Post a Comment