20 August 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Thursday 20 August 2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalms 114 and 115
First, the psalmist recalls the exodus and crossing of
the sea and the Jordan: that the natural world moved and changed to suit God’s
purpose.
The second psalm starts praising God for faithful and
constant expression of love. The psalmist ridicules the idol-makers who like
their idols may have the physical senses (eyes, ears, noses…) but make no use
of them. God is contrasted as a sensing and active presence worthy to be
trusted. The psalmist blesses the hearer of the psalm.
2 Samuel 22: 17 – 31
David
continues his great psalm of praise for deliverance from enemies and in
accordance with David’s righteousness and faithfulness as the warrior king he
had to be.
“This
God – God’s way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true” (v.31).
Acts 19: 21 – 41
Paul is planning to continue his journey through
Macedonia, to Jerusalem and back to Rome. He sends people on ahead.
Meanwhile in Ephesus, Demetirus who is a silversmith
stirs up the artisans and the people saying that if Christianity takes hold
their business, based around making figurines of Artemis, will be ruined; the
temple to Artemis ignored. A confused and angry crowd forms. Paul is prevented
from attending. A Jew, Alexander addresses them and is shouted down. Finally
the town clerk addresses the crowd. He reminds them that everyone knows Ephesus
is dedicated to Artemis. This cannot be denied. None of the accused people
stole or harmed the temple. If there is a business issue take it to the proper
courts and stop the demonstration everyone is at risk of being charged with
rioting. The crowd disperses.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
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| Looking back: looking forward Eurobin Vic L Osburn |
Thursday 20 August 2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalms 116 and 117
The first psalm gives thanks to God for healing. Even
when he is profoundly depressed the psalmist trusts in God. The second psalm is
a global call to praise God.
Proverbs 20: 1 – 17
This set of sayings seems to relate to managing a
business or farm.
Wine causes people to be mocked or to brawl. Keep away
from strife and quarrels – every fool wants to quarrel.
Laziness means the harvest cannot come in time.
Take time to find the real purpose behind what others
do or want and to find people to trust. People use their own weights and
measures to judge their behaviour not God’s. Their actions are what tell you
whether they are righteous. Listen and look.
The buyer is the one who has the power and even when
they look and don’t buy they gain because they go and boast.
The opinion of people who really know is precious.
If someone goes guarantor for a stranger, don’t
hesitate to take the payment.
Don’t be deceitful. It might seem great initially but
later it’s like eating gravel.
Romans 12: 9 – 21
Paul specifies how we are to behave so that we
overcome evil with good. The list is long and detailed. “If possible, so far as
it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (v.18). And, “if your enemies are
hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty give them something to drink” (v.20).
Collect for
Evening Prayer
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| Stag with a hat Eurobin Vic L Osburn |
Holy Lord,
you care for us always and are trustworthy even in our darkest moments. Help as
we reflect on our day. Show us the times were we made the right choices and
acted well or were rightly still and quiet living peaceably so that tomorrow we
can step out again with energy, conviction and your guiding grace to again
overcome evil with good through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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