9 August 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 9 August 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 148

These two psalms call on every part of creation to praise and glorify God. God created everything and gave us the means to be governed.

Acts 15: 22 – 35

The apostles and elders in Jerusalem, with the consent of the community decide to send a letter to the churches in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. Barsabbas (aka Judas) and Silas are to accompany Paul and Barnabas. The letter is to the Christian people from other nations. It says that the church in Jerusalem knows that people without authority, told them unsettling things. Judas and Silas will affirm this personally. It reaffirmed how loved Paul and Barnabas are and how much they have risked for Christ. The letter says “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials” (v. 28). The essentials are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from strangled things and from fornication.

The people in Antioch rejoice. Judas and Silas stay a while and encourage the people, then return to Jerusalem.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Town Hall and Post Office towers
Broken Hill NSW
L Osburn

O Lord creator of all things seen and unseen, including the powers that govern us, we give you thanks and praise. Open the hearts and minds of those people who lead us in the church and in our countries to act with wisdom, compassion and the power of your Holy Spirit so that we your people are indeed free to worship you in love and grace through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Sunday 9 August 2015

Evening Prayer

2 Samuel 19: 1 – 15

Absalom is dead and David mourns. The victory celebrations therefore are turning to mourning. Joab, David’s commander, goes to David and tell him he must put his mourning aside for it gives the army the message that they fought for nothing and devalues their service. David goes to the gate and welcomes and honours all those who fought for him.

Meanwhile the Israelites are in turmoil. David had freed them from their enemies and the Philistines, he fled because of Absalom and now Absalom is dead.

David sends a message to Judah reminding them that they are kin and promising to make Amasa commander of all the army. Amasa is able to sway the view of the people and David, his household and people are welcomed back. People from Judah go to Gilgal to bring David safely over the Jordan.

Psalm 34: 1 – 10

This is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise and one that teaches people to love and fear the Lord, who delivers us from fear, saves us, gives us refuge and frees us from want.

Ephesians 5: 1 – 14

God through Christ has forgiven us therefore, let us imitate God and forgive each other as God’s beloved children. Keep away from fornication, greed, silly talk, and instead give thanks. Be sure that no idolater (this means the greedy) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Paul warns to stay away from deceivers and live instead as children of light – seeking what is pleasing to God. Shine a light on darkness and expose it: awake, rise and let Christ shine in you!

Collect for Evening Prayer

Just a little S makes us smile
Coleman NSW
L Osburn

Holy and merciful God, you have through Christ forgiven us and already brought us home safely over the Jordan. May all our days be lived with you, seeking what pleases you so that we are awake, lively and shining with your love through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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