2 August 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 2 August 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 147: 1 – 11

This psalm rejoices in singing praise to a gracious God. God builds up the community, gathers the outcasts, heals the broken-hearted and binds their wounds. This is the same God who created the stars. Sing to God.

God brings the rain that produces grass, feeds the animals and allows birds to sing. God isn’t interested in who is the fastest or strongest but in our reverence.

Acts 15: 4 – 12

Paul and Barnabas are welcomed in Jerusalem. The people promoting the new rule that Gentile Christians need to be circumcised are Pharisees who are also Christians.

After considerable discussion Paul addresses them all and says that he was selected by God to take the message to the other nations. God knows the human heart, God cleansed their spirits, gave them the Holy Spirit and doing so made no distinction between them and us. So this requirement, to obey Mosaic Law, which the circumcised Jews cannot fulfil anyway, is putting God to the test. We believe that we will be saved through the grace of Jesus and so will all people.

Paul and Barnabas tell them of all the signs and wonders God has done among the people of other nations.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Green pastures
Rutherglen Vic 2014 L Osburn

Holy and wonderful Lord, you have provided us your Holy Spirit through Christ to cleanse our hearts and restore us in the same way rain restores the land, brings grass and birdsong. As your healed and restored community may we welcome others and only be concerned that we revere you so that all may sing your praise and rejoice in your saving grace through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Sunday 2 August 2015

Evening Prayer

2 Samuel 12: 13 – 24

David repents his actions with Bathsheba and Uriah. Nathan says now that he has repented he will not die. He is forgiven but the consequences of his actions remain. He says David’s son with Bathsheba will die.

David and Bathsheba’s son becomes ill. David fasts and prays. After seven days the child dies and David’s servants are too scared to tell him given the level of his grief. David asks them, “Is the child dead?” David washes, anoints himself, changes his clothes, worships, goes to him home and eats. When the courtiers ask what is it that he is doing David replies that he fasted and prayed that God might be gracious but now there is nothing to be done.

David goes and consoles Bathsheba. Later she conceives and has Solomon. God loves Solomon.

Psalm 78: 15 – 30

  

This portion of the psalm recounts the complaints against God when the Israelites are in the desert with Moses. God produces water from rocks, food falls from heaven, both bread and birds. They have enough and crave more. While the food is still in their mouths God is angry and strikes down the strongest men and youths.

Ephesians 4: 17 – 24

Paul encourages the Christians to step away from pagan rituals and practices – they are futile.  We are taught to put away our former lives, be renewed in the Spirit and make our presence according to the likeness of God. We are to put on the characteristics of God like clothes: true righteousness and holiness.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Rosebud
Harrietville Vic 2015 L Osburn

Holy and righteous God you want us to step away from bad behaviour, greed and futile rituals and practices. We repent and acknowledge that there will be consequences for our past actions. Help us experience your loving grace, which brings renewal of your Spirit and restoration with you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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