14 August 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 14 August 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalms 108 and 109: 20 - 30

The first psalm begins with praising God, giving thanks and acknowledging God’s faithfulness. It moves on to ask for a victory and recognises that if God does not go with us there are no victories.

The portion of the second psalm is a prayer for deliverance “Let them curse, but you will bless”.

2 Samuel 19: 24 – 40

Mephisbosheth (the son of Jonathon) comes to meet David, It is clear he has not looked after himself for all the days David left Jerusalem. David asks why he did not leave with David. Mephisbosheth says Ziba deceived him and David. David divides the land given to Ziba in two. Mephisbosheth says that Ziba can have it all now that David is returned safely.

Another man, Barzillai who is 80 and fed David when he was in Mahanaim, accompanies David to the Jordan. David invites Barzillai to come to Jerusalem but Barzillai declines – he is too old to appreciate fine things, prefers to stay in his own community and be buried there. He however offers his son, Chimham. David blesses Barzillai and moves on to Gilgal.

Acts 17: 15 – 21

Paul waits in Athens. He is disturbed by the amount of idol worship and thus argues his position in the synagogue and in the marketplace. Some philosophers debate with him. Some think he has cobbled together slivers of knowledge but they are inquisitive to know what he has to say. They invite him to speak at the Areopagus (a council that keeps and administers law).

Collect for Morning Prayer

No matter where: in God's care
WA and SA Border L Osburn

Wonderful Lord of blessings and love, no matter where we are at the centre of power or in a distant and multi-faith community, you are steadfast in your care. Be with us when we are disturbed and anxious and surrounded by mistrust, deceit, competing ideas and battles. Help us to take up your open invitation to prayer, gratefulness and praise so that we, recalling your promises and all our blessings may invite others to learn of you and to find your saving grace through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Friday 14 August 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 119: 105 – 128

This psalm is full of powerful one-liners. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”; “You are my hiding place and my shield”; “Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes”; “Truly I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold”.

Proverbs 17: 1 – 16

These proverbs value peace and wisdom above wealth and privilege.

God who sees our hearts tests us like the smelting of gold and silver.

We are not to be enticed by lies, evil or foolish schemes.

We are not to mock the poor.

We are not to puff up our speech or be false if we have authority.

We are to forgive and thus maintain relationships.

A discerning person only needs to be rebuked to change.

It is better to stop strife at the first trickle because it is like letting out water.

If we return evil for good, evil will not leave our homes.

Romans 10: 14 – 21

Paul, having just said that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, now questions how that can occur unless the good news of Jesus is proclaimed. He talks about the world needing people to be sent for this task.

He returns to his focus on the Jews who have been sent messengers of the good news including Moses and Isaiah and yet are not calling on Jesus as Lord. Paul says that Israel continues to be a contrary people.

Collect for Evening Prayer

We have a map
SW Western Australia L Osburn

Holy and wonderful God you have given us people who have written their songs of praise to you, their calls to you and given guidance to us for living decent lives. Be with us this night. Help us to call on you and be open to the words of those like Paul, the psalmists, Moses and Isaiah, who have brought news of your salvation to us, so that we live our lives in your embrace and confidently proclaim your good news in all we do and say through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

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