24 July 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 24 July 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalms 56 and 57

The first psalm speaks of trust in God who is our salvation and who is with us when we fear the actions of other people. It ends in praise and commitment to faith.

The second psalm again is an appeal for aid against enemies who are compared to lions. The psalm shifts to praise. The psalmist wakes each morning to sing God’s praise, to uplift the soul and to ask God to be exalted in the world: to let God’s glory shine.

2 Samuel 7

David talks with Nathan the prophet with an idea to build a house for God – a place where the Ark of the Covenant can rest. Nathan initially thinks that is a good idea.

The Lord speaks to Nathan. It is not David’s job to build the temple. It will be one of his son’s who does it. David needs to be the king. For his faithfulness God will establish David’s house and line.

David thanks God recognising this great gift. He recommits Israel to God.                    

John 8: 1 – 11

Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives. Next morning he goes to the temple. He begins to teach and then the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery and ask Jesus whether she should be stoned according to Mosaic Law. Jesus draws with his finger in the dirt before answering. They pester him for an answer so he stands. He challenges them to throw a stone if they themselves are sin free. He lowers himself again and draws again in the dirt. One by one, elders first they go away. Jesus stands and asks where did they go and is there no one left to condemn her? She says no. He will not condemn her either and she is to go and sin no more.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Sanctuary Island
Deniliquin NSW 2014 L Osburn

Holy, righteous and loving God, you alone know our hearts and you gave us the great gift of your Son. There is no condemnation and we are forgiven. Help us always to bring our concerns to you, to trust you, recognise our sins and praise you for your eternal gift of love so that in every circumstance our souls may be uplifted, our lives blessed and we experience true freedom in you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Friday 24 July 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 60 and 61

The disaster has struck. The people of the country are suffering. God has set up a banner for the faithful to rally behind. This psalm is an appeal to God to be with us in the challenge ahead. The psalm ends with “With God we shall do valiantly” (v12).

The second psalm is a prayer for protection. God is describes as a rock, a shelter, a hiding place and a great bird under whose wings we are protected.

Proverbs 7: 6 – 27

In this section the picture is painted of a young man with no wisdom being enticed into adultery: pretty, comfortable smelling delightful. He is described as a bird rushing into a snare not knowing that it will cost his life.

Romans 3: 9 – 20

Paul clarifies for all that all of us have sinned. The Law tells the Jews what actions break the Law. None of them can keep the Law. So, on our own, no human is without sin before God.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Great Cliffs - Great Australian Bight
SA 2014 L Osburn

O Lord you love us and know us all deeply. You know that none of us are without sin. All of us have been enticed by something that appears wonderful or to have the answers or to meet our need but instead leads to destruction. When those around us fall prey to those enticements, protect us. Help us rally behind your banner of love and firmly stand with you in the challenges to come through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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