2 September 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 2 September 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalms 5 and 6

This first psalm asks for God to hear the prayers of the victim of harmful lies. God has no time for wickedness. The psalmist will go to the temple knowing that he too is not yet righteous and needs help to stay on the path. The psalmist takes the problem to God and does not retaliate. Instead he asks for all who take refuge in the Lord to experience joy and protection and exult and bless the Lord.

Debilitating and terrifying illness has struck the psalmist. It is shaking the psalmist’s faith. God is asked to respond lovingly. The psalmist stands against evil and proclaims the Lord’s swift response.

1 Kings 3: 16 – 28

Two women come to King Solomon. They live in the same house. Both give birth. One of the babies dies in the night. One woman accuses the other of swapping the dead baby. They want Solomon to decide who is the mother. He asks for a sword to cut the remaining live baby in two so they may share. One woman immediately relinquishes her claim so that the child may live. The second agrees to the division of the child. Solomon gives the child to the woman who was prepared to relinquish for the child’s sake.

The people hearing the judgement perceive Solomon is wise.

Acts 24: 10 – 27

Paul makes his case before the governor. He says he came to worship, is faithful to the law and the prophets and keeps a good conscience. He brought alms to his nation, was in the temple completing the rite of purification when Jews from Asia made accusations. Paul states that those people should be at the hearing. Paul says he attended the council and the only thing he said out of place was about the resurrection of the dead. He asks is that why he is on trial?

The governor adjourns the case, keeps Paul confined but allows his friends to come and bring things he needs. The tribune and his Jewish wife Drusilla visit; Paul speaks of faith in Christ–Jesus, justice and self-control. Paul talks with the governor regularly. A new governor is appointed and Felix leaves Paul in custody.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The old bridge
Avenues Vic. L Osburn

 Wonderful Lord, true wisdom and justice come from you. This day, no matter how dire our circumstances: enemies, illness, death or theft of our baby or false imprisonment, help us keep our faith in Christ Jesus. Help us maintain our self-control, stay on your path and look to your loving care through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Wednesday 2 September 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 7 and 8

In the first psalm, someone who was an ally has been harmed and the blame is being focused on the psalmist. The psalmist seeks God’s protection, calls on God to search him out and judge. The psalmist is also aware that the snares the wicked set can turn against them. The psalmist is confident in a right relationship with God and is willing to repent. The psalmist promises to praise God when rescued.

God’s majesty is praised. Every human sound is praise to God. And the psalmist marvels at that. How is it that humans have such a special place when we consider the expanse of the heavens? The psalm ends in awe, wonder and praise.

Job 8

Bildad asks Job how long is he going to go on talking? God is justice. Perhaps Job’s children sinned and that is why they are dead. But God will listen to the just and righteous. We know that from ancient scriptures and lives of the ancestors.

We, like plants, need a specific environment: reeds need a marsh. If we take the reed from the marsh it perishes. If we go from God’s path we perish. Those who are not on God’s path have gossamer thin confidence. Their houses and lives are feeble.

God does not reject the blameless he will fill your lips with joy and praise. Those who hate you will be shamed.

1 John 2: 12 – 17

The writer addresses the whole community, the elders and the youth and acknowledges their belief and faithfulness. They are encouraged to steer away from material concerns, desires and riches. For all those things pass away. Whereas the gift of God to the faithful people is eternal life.

Collect for Evening Prayer

The stream
Avenues Vic. L Osburn

Wonderful loving God, you have given humans a special place in your creation and care. As we reflect on our day show us the times we kept true to you. Help us acknowledge and repent the times we failed so that we may come before you in humility with wonder, awe, thanksgiving and praise through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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