Tuesday 31 May 2016

31 May 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 31 May 2016
Morning Prayer

Psalm 59

The psalmist is being stalked so that he may be killed. Protection is requested but not the death of those who seek his life – just that they may be brought down and caught up in their own anger.

The psalmist will praise God’s provision of safety and his steadfast love. God is a mighty fortress.

Ezekiel 26

Ezekiel pronounces God’s judgement on the city of Tyre for failing to come to Jerusalem’s aid and instead seeing it as an opportunity for Tyre to prosper. Tyre including the outlying towns and people, will be destroyed by Nebuchadrezzar. Even princes will be clothed in trembling and people will lament. Tyre in its present form will come to a dreadful end.

Acts 7: 9 – 22

Stephen, the first deacon is before the council falsely accused. He continues retelling the story of the people from Joseph being sold into Egypt, the famine that brings the people of Israel to live there, the burial of Jacob in Shechem, the oppression of the people including being forced to abandon their children so that they died, to the arrival of Moses and his childhood as the son of the Pharaoh’s daughter.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Miss Molly frolicking freely
Harrietville Vic L Osburn
 Loving God you provide for us and bring us to safety sometime by preparing wise leaders. Be with us your faithful people when we are beset by enemies, prideful competitors that revel in our demise and forces of oppression. Help us trust you and your immense power so that at your hand all oppression can cease and we are again able to celebrate your great glory through the power of your Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday 31 May 2016
Evening Prayer

Psalms 58 and 79

In the first psalm the writer is truly angry about the actions of the wicked and wants their power to be removed and for them to just disappear – permanently! Things are so bad the psalmist wants a reward and vindication for the righteous now and for judgment to come to earth instantly.

In the second psalm Jerusalem has been destroyed and the psalmist in deep, angry grief calls for vengeful punishment of the godless nations that caused the destruction.

Deuteronomy 13

If prophets come and even if what they say occurs or if they do great deeds but are from other gods, don’t follow them. There is only one God. The false prophets will be found to be guilty of treason. If family or close friends entice you to worship other gods, don’t go with them.  The essential bottom line is that there is only one God and you are to do what is right in the sight of god.

2 Corinthians 4: 1 – 12

It is by God’s mercy that we are involved in ministry so we are not to lose heart. We are put our needs aside and serve others.  The message is clear, Christ is Lord and we are the servants of others. If people don’t understand this it is because they are unable to believe. We have Christ’s light in us and we are meant to let it shine even if we are just vessels made of common clay. Because we are afflicted, perplexed, persecuted and struck down we don’t give up – any achievements just prove God’s glory. We carry Jesus’s death within us so that Jesus’s life can be visible and bring others life.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Clouds of the sleet storm and
rainbow or promise
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

Holy Lord you are the only God and the one who brings light and life to all. Help us when we are angry, injured, perplexed, challenged and pressed in our belief and ministry. Help us resist the pressures and influence to turn from your way so that we can hold on to our deep reverence for Christ’s death and show and share Christ’s love, light and life to all. Amen.






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