17 August 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Monday 17 August 2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalm 106: 1 – 24
The
psalmist begins praising God and marvelling at God’s faithful love and great
deeds. He then charges that we like the people of the past – from the Exodus to
the time of Aaron – go astray.
2 Samuel 20: 14 - 26
Sheba the Bichrite passes through Israel gathering
support. He and his forces arrive in Abel of Beth-Maacah. Joab arrives and lays
siege to the city. I woman of the city calls out to speak to Joab. She tells
him the history and place of this town – its reputation and asks him not to
destroy it. Joab says they only really want Sheba who has put himself in
opposition to King David. The woman says they will behead Sheba. They do so and
throw it to Joab who departs and returns to Jerusalem.
The administration and positions of authority are
again settled in David’s kingdom.
Acts 18: 1 – 17
Paul travels to Corinth where he finds Aquila and
Priscilla who are Jews from Rome. Claudius Caesar has expelled all Jews from
Rome. Paul works with Aquila making tents and preaches at the synagogue. When
Silas and Timothy arrive Paul is being unsuccessful with the Jews and so turns
to proclaim the good news to the rest of the people. The church in Corinth
begins. Paul has a dream where he is told no harm will come to him. The Jews
take Paul before the proconsul on religious grounds. The proconsul rejects the
case since it has nothing to do with Roman Law. The Jews beat Sosthenes, an official
of the synagogue, in front of the tribunal and the proconsul pays no attention.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Tug Gladstone Qld L Osburn |
Monday 17 August 2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalm 106: 25 – 50
The
ancient people keep shifting allegiance and worshipping other gods. They even
conduct live sacrifice of their children. Yet God delivers them, shows
compassion. The psalmist asks for God to gather us in to give thanks, glory and
praise to God.
Proverbs 18: 4 - 21
The key theme in these sayings are, first to take care
what you say, how you say it, the order – are you the first to speak and will
you then be cross-examined, your attitude and ensure you do not offend an ally
when you speak.
When listening, properly listen, seek knowledge before
answering and do not seek to subvert the innocent.
If you are lazy about tasks you are like a vandal.
The wealthy imagine they are protected but God
protects the righteous and humility comes before honour.
The human spirit can overcome illness but who can bear
a broken spirit?
With two equally powerful contenders in a dispute,
casting lots will resolve it.
Those who have wives are recipients of God’s favour.
Romans 11: 13 – 24
Paul accepts that some Jews will not accept the gospel
and that opens the opportunity for the people from other nations to be
reconciled to God. When Jews believe it strengthens the whole. Paul uses a
metaphor of an olive tree. God is the rootstock and believers the branches. Non-believing
Jews are like pruned branches. Faithful Christian people from other nations are
like grafted on branches from a wild olive. We are not to be proud of being a
branch. We need to be proud of the rootstock and keep strong in the faith. We
too can be pruned. And any Jewish person is easier to graft back in.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Old Vines Curlwa NSW L Osburn |
God of
mercy and grace, we thank you for your ancient people of the promise through
whose human actions it was necessary for you to send your Son to be the saviour
of the world. We ask that you continue to nurture us all, to help us graft into
your family more members and to bring us into your presence, confident in your
great love and understanding, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
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