8 July 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Wednesday 8 July 2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalms
20 and 21: 1 – 7 (8 – 13)
The
first psalm begins as a bidding prayer asking that God answer your prayers,
protect you in times of trouble, grant you your heart’s desire and fulfil all
your plans. It was originally about the king. God is the one in whom the
community trusts, not men or chariots. The psalmist knows God will help.
The
second psalm takes this theme of the power being with God and the king’s
dependence on God in all things.
1
Samuel 27: 1 – 28: 2
David realises that Saul cannot be trusted and flees
with his family and force to Gath (paradoxically this the where Goliath came
from). He stays first with King Achish then asks to be permitted to live in a
town. He is given Ziklag.
From there David mounts raids into distant communities
hostile to Judah. He leaves no one alive so news of his raids cannot come back
to Gath but brings back livestock and goods. When asked by King Achish where he
has raided he names towns in Judah. The King is content, thinking that David is
making himself utterly abhorrent in Israel and therefore will remain loyal to
him.
John 4: 1 – 15
The
Pharisees hear that Jesus and his disciples are baptising more people than
John. They are already hostile to John so they now turn their focus on Jesus.
Jesus leaves Judea and returns to Galilee via Samaria. Jesus, tired sits by a
well and the disciples go to buy food.
A
Samaritan woman comes to draw water from the well and Jesus asks for water.
Jews did not associate with Samaritans. The woman is understandably shocked and
says so. Jesus responds that if she knew what God gives and who he is she would
be asking him for living water – that which gushes up from within a person and
brings them eternal life. She asks Jesus for this water so that she never has
to come to the well again.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Water wheel Cape Leeuwin WA 2014 L Osburn |
God
of protection, nourishment and bringer of eternal life, you know there are
times when we have to confront hostile people and people who cannot be trusted.
We know that in our own strength, even with armies, we can do nothing without
you. Be with us this day. Help us remember that someone in the world is praying
for us, for our protection and for our prayers to be answered so that we can go
out in courage nourished by your living water to do what is necessary to bring
your beauty and your message into this world you love through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in
our hearts. Amen.
Wednesday 8 July 2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalms
24 and 26
The
Lord of hosts is the King of glory, is the focus of this psalm. The world and
everything in it is God’s. Those who aspire to heaven are the pure and
righteous.
The
second psalm is from a person who is faithful and has integrity and who has
been falsely accused. The psalm asks God to look inside and to bring
redemption.
Micah 3
Micah rails against the rulers in Israel who say they
want justice but treat the people cruelly. The priests and prophets are false
and corrupt. Micah is not and prophesies the total destruction of Jerusalem and
the temple.
Galatians 3: 15 – 26
The law
handed down through Moses, helps us see our mistakes and gives us a disciplined
framework. It does not give us righteousness. Belief and faith in God through
Christ gives us righteousness. In Christ we are now all children of God through
faith (v. 26).
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Children Cape Le Grand National Park WA 2014 L Osburn |
King of
glory and King of peace you alone know our innermost hearts and minds. You know
our love and faith in you. Strengthen our faith and firm our belief so that we
your children may always be righteous in your eyes through Jesus Christ your
Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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