28 August 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 28 August 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalms 143 and 146

The psalmist is in hiding in a cave and sounds depressed yet, is still reaching out to God; is still trusting and obedient. “Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning for in you I put my trust” (v.8).

 The next psalm is one of praise to God who is trustworthy – more than princes: more than mortals. Our God sets prisoners free and cares for orphans and widows.

1 Kings 2: 1 – 12

David is about to die. His last words include the instruction to be strong, courageous and keep the way of the Lord, following the statues of Moses and likewise ensure Solomon’s heirs do so. He gives information and instruction on Joab, the commander – to be wise and also ensure he is not in peace at the end. For Barzillai who gave David protection – continue to return it. For Shimei who cursed David, be wise and deal with him. David had promised not to harm him but Solomon is not bound to that. Then David dies. His rule is recorded as forty years.

Acts 22: 17 – 30

Paul continues his address to the Jews. He recounts how he was in the temple and while praying experienced Jesus’ presence and was commissioned to go to far away to other nations. The crowd becomes enraged. The tribune orders Paul be flogged to reveal what incited the riot. Before the flogging Paul asks the centurion whether it is lawful to flog a Roman citizen before sentence has been passed. The centurion returns to the tribune who comes to Paul. The tribune comments that it cost him a lot to buy his citizenship, and Paul answers that he was born a citizen. Every one is afraid because they have bound a citizen. The tribune releases Paul from the bonds and the next day calls the chief priests and the entire council to meet so that he can find out what caused the riot.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Freedom
Mandurah estuary WA L Osburn

Holy Lord of freedom and release, you are indeed trustworthy and your steadfast love enfolds us. Release us Lord from the bonds and prisons, caves and fears we endure so that we can, with a fresh start sing your praise and do what you have commissioned us to do in hope and faith and love through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Friday 28 August 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 119: 153 – 176

This portion of the psalm is a plea for preservation of life from someone who is devout “my soul keeps your decrees” and who admits going astray.

Job 4: 1 and 5: 1 – 16  

Eliphaz continues his response to Job. He says that Job cannot appeal to holy ones. There’s no point getting angry that leads to more harm and foolishness. Job should seek God who does marvellous things in the natural world, who defeats the crafty, saves the needy and the poor.

Romans 16: 1 – 16

Paul commends to the Christian community in Rome other Christians from the region who may visit. This section is a list of faithful people who he is introducing to Rome so that if they arrive hospitality, peace and welcome will be provided.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Black Swans
Mandurah estuary WA L Osburn

Gracious and loving God, you care for us all. Hear our prayers to you this night. Give us strength to bear the challenges in our lives and to always welcome your faithful people into our lives and communities with hospitality and peace through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

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