8 August 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 8 August 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 89: 1 - 18

This section of the psalm praises God for faithfulness and steadfastness in all generations, for the creation of the earth and the victory over chaos. Happy are the people who sing praises and walk in God’s pathway.

2 Samuel 16: 20 – 17: 14

Ahithophel advises Absalom what to do next now he has taken Jerusalem. He advises him to go into all his father’s concubines on the roof in broad daylight as a display of his ascendency.

Ahithophel also advises Absalom to gather a force, which Ahithophel will lead, to kill David immediately while all those with David are tired and distressed and to bring the people home.

Absalom asks Hushai for his opinion. Hushai disagrees with Ahithophel’s plan. He says that David’s warriors are battle tested and angry. David will not be with them but in hiding. Some of Absalom’s troops will be killed at the first attack and the rest will lose heart. Instead Hushai advises the gathering of everyone for a set battle and the total destruction of David’s forces along with any city where he may be hiding. All the men of Israel agree with Hushai for God had ordained to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.

John 12: 36b – 50

After being welcomed into the city with palms Jesus hides from the people. He had done many signs and still the people do did not believe. This fulfils the words of Isaiah. Some who do believe are in authority and are too afraid to speak out. For they love their public reputations more than Glory that comes from God.

Jesus cries out for all to hear that those who believe in Him believe in God. Those who see Him see God. He is our light that we come out of the darkness. If we do not believe Jesus will not judge us; His words will judge us on the last day. Jesus’ words are the words of God. God’s commandment and God’s words are eternal life.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Light in the desert
Broken Hill
L Osburn

God of hope and resolution, yours is the victory over chaos and the vanities of people. In the midst of upheaval and confusion, guide us to take time to listen to you, heed your counsel, remind ourselves of your power and sing your praise through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Saturday 8 August 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 89: 19 – 38

This section of the psalm states the unalterable covenant with David and his line forever even if the children violate God’s laws, the relationship with David will continue.

Verse 38 changes and says “But now … you are full of wrath against your anointed”.

Baruch 4: 27 – 5: 9

The people are to have courage. Just as they turned from God they are now to turn back with ten-fold zeal.

Jerusalem, like a mother will be comforted, restored honoured and will receive her children back. The enemy city that took them away will have fire within it and be inhabited by demons.

Jerusalem is told that joy is coming and she is to get herself dressed in glory, righteousness and splendour that she has from God. She is to stand and look out for the return of her children. Their way will be made easy for their return.

Romans 8: 28 – 39

Paul asks “who will separate us from the love of Christ?” (v.35). He answers that nothing can separate us. “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers nor height, nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (vs 34-39).

Collect for Evening Prayer

Bottlebrush
Broken Hill NSW
L Osburn

Loving God of restoration, nothing can separate us from your love. Help us as we turn towards you and put aside our past. Fill us with ten-fold zeal so that we, regardless of our current plight are convicted of your love, sing your praises and start on that journey home to you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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