6 July 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 6 July 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 18: 1 – 31

David exuberantly praises the Lord for saving him from death at the hands of his enemies. The images used are like a volcanic eruption. David is ecstatic with what he can do with God’s help. He rejoices utterly in God, the only God: our God.

“This God – God’s way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true” (v.30).

1 Samuel 25: 23 – 44

Abigail speaks with David. She explains Nabal’s nature (foolish and senseless) and apologises for the offence. She takes the guilt of the offence on herself for not knowing of the visit of David’s men at the time. She asks David not to avenge the insult and thus be guilty of killing someone who is like Nabal. She formally offers the gift of food. She asks for forgiveness. She acknowledge that God will make David prosper since he is doing God’s work. She clearly knows who David is and alludes to the killing of Goliath.

She negotiates with him for mercy saying that when he is King he will have no bloodguilt and asks him to remember her when that time comes.

David blesses God for Abigail’s actions, tells her that without her gift would have slaughtered every male in the community, grants her petition and sends her off in peace.

Abigail returns to find Nabal feasting and drunk. She waits until morning then tells him what has happened. Nabal appears to be deeply shocked: “his heart died within him: he became like stone” (v 37). About ten days later he dies.

David blesses God for judging the case of Nabal and for keeping him from evil. David marries Abigail and Ahinoam of Jezreel thus solidifying his connection to politically influential families.

John 3: 1 – 21

Nicodemus, a senior Pharisee comes to see Jesus. Nicodemus acknowledges that Jesus comes from God since no one can do what Jesus does without God. Jesus teaches about new life: new birth in the spirit. Jesus uses examples from the physical world to help Nicodemus understand – he doesn’t.

Jesus uses scripture to help Nicodemus understand. Then Jesus says that he has come to give people eternal life: to save the world, not condemn it – as prophets did.  Those who don’t believe are already condemned; they do evil, love darkness and do not want to come into the light. They do not want their deeds known or to repent. Those who believe, who do what is true come to Jesus and are willing to be exposed and be saved.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Cheerful Ceramic Snail
Mandurah WA 2014 L Osburn

Holy saviour loving God you save us from death and the hands of our enemies. You save us from doing evil and its consequences. You save our souls and give us eternal life. May all we do this day be to your praise and glory and honour through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Monday 6 July 2015 

Evening Prayer

Psalm 18: 32 – 38 (39 – 44), 45 – 52

David continues his great psalm of praise for deliverance from enemies and as the warrior king he had to be. David describes his supremacy in battle. He is more subdued at the end, blessing God, extoling God’s name, praising God for his steadfast love and care.

Micah 1

Micah prophesies the destruction of Israel and Samaria for their idol worship. He says his lamentation will be barefoot and naked crying like a jackal and mourning like an ostrich.

He tells the people to get ready to cut off their hair in mourning for their children who will be taken into exile.

Galatians 2: 11 – 21

Paul reports how he strongly criticised Cephas (Peter). Peter lives by the spirit and not by the law but has begun to draw back from the Christians who are not Jewish and has stopped eating with them. Paul argues that if the people from these other nations need to become Jews then Peter too has to live according to the law and demonstrate that life. He also argues that Peter is building up what he once pulled down and if he does so he shows himself to have been wrong.  Paul says we are not wrong. We have died to the law, we have been crucified with Christ, and it is Christ who lives in us. Our earthly physical lives are lived by faith with Jesus who loves us.

If, however our justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Sue's Bridge
Blackwood River WA 2014  LOsburn

O Lord who guides our honest reflection and repentance you show us how easy it is to go astray. Be with us at the end of this day and help us to learn and grow through reflecting on what we have done or failed to do. King David flushed with victory, Micah reminding all of the consequences of idol worship and Paul correcting Peter for slipping back into legalism remind us all that we must die to self, to idols and the law and instead live in your Spirit of truth and love through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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