13 August 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 13 August 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalms 101 and 102: 1 - 11

The first psalm is a statement of commitment to justice and to work hard to live a righteous life. The portion of the second psalm is a lament. The psalmist is unwell and in great pain unable to eat or sleep and tormented by others who suggest God has deserted him.

2 Samuel 19: 8b – 23

The Israelites are in turmoil. David had freed them from their enemies and the Philistines, he fled because of Absalom and now Absalom is dead. So they want David back as king but Judah has not brought David back.

David sends a message to Judah reminding them that they are kin and promising to make Amasa commander of all the army in Joab’s place. Amasa is able to sway the view of the people. David, his household and people are welcomed back. People from Judah go to Gilgal to bring David safely over the Jordan.

Shimei from Gera, who had cursed and thrown stones at David earlier, comes to the king, apologises and repents. Abishai advises that Shimei be killed for cursing David. David says the suggestion would cause adversity and pit Abishai’s family against David’s safety. David will put no one to death on the day he becomes king. He gives his oath to Shimei that he will not die.

Acts 17: 1 – 14

Paul and Silas arrive in Thessalonica and preach at the synagogue on the Sabbaths. They use the scriptures and argue the case of Jesus as Messiah. Some Jews believe, women believe, Greeks believe. But a small group of Jews stir up trouble and have local Christians arrested. Paul and Silas go to Beroea and do the same thing, with many new Christians as a result. The Jews from Thessalonica who oppose Paul’s message come and stir up trouble again. Paul is sent to the coast but Timothy and Silas remain in Beroea.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Flowing irrigation waters
Mulwala NSW L Osburn

Great Lord of all, even though our communities and lives are in flux and turmoil where pride, power and opposition are normal, you bring us your dear Son as Messiah. Help us repent. Release us from pain, stagnation and trouble and bring us to your kingdom restored to life, health and peace through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Thursday 13 August 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 102: 12 – 28

This second portion of the lament turns into a hymn of prayer and praise to God. God will look after us; hears our prayers and is eternal.

Proverbs 16: 16 – 33

Another set of sayings is given.

Wisdom and understanding are better than wealth.

Pride and being haughty are precursors to failing.

Being attentive to a project helps it succeed.

Wise hearts are called perceptive.

Pleasant speech helps persuade.

Sometimes a way ahead looks right but it isn’t.

If you are hungry that will spur you on.

Scoundrels and perverse people cause trouble and strife.

Being temperate and slow to anger gets the greater outcome even compared to the mighty.

Finally, yes there is luck but God decides where is goes.

Romans 10: 5 – 13

Paul explains that Moses said life comes through obeying the law. But Paul says that the life that comes through faith is of the heart (believing in your heart) and as close to us as our lips (confessing Jesus is Lord). We do not have to search or strive for it. Those who do this will be saved and there is no distinction between people from any culture or race.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Flame tree flowers and Frenchman Peak
Cape Le Grand National Park WA
L Osburn

Loving and gracious Lord, the ancients gave us laws, advice and guidance but you give us the eternal path to salvation. Open our hearts and keep them focused on you. Open our mouths so that we joyously declare your praise and confess you are our Lord and saviour so that our days of striving can be over and we become truly a family with all your people in this world you love through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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