13 June 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 13 June 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 101; 102: 1-11

The first psalm is a statement of commitment to justice and to work hard to live a righteous life. The portion of the second psalm is a lament. The psalmist is unwell and in great pain unable to eat or sleep and tormented by others who suggest God has deserted him.

2 Chronicles 6: 12 – 31

At the celebration of the opening of the temple Solomon prays to God kneeling on a bronze platform. He praises God for keeping his promises to David and to all his heirs and successors if they remain faithful. He announces that God is too large even for the universe and acknowledges that no building can contain God. He asks God to consider the prayers of those who pray in or towards this temple and forgive. He asks that the oaths uttered in this place by those who have sinned be heard and that God responds with justice. When there is a drought, famine, sickness plague or blight because of the sins of the people, when they pray, confess and turn from their sin, Solomon asks for the Lord's forgiveness. And he adds that this applies to all people of Israel who stretch out their hand in prayer to this place so that all may walk in God's ways and revere God.

Acts 9: 32 – 43

Peter travels among the believers. In Lydda he heals Aeneas who is bedridden, paralysed for eight years. In Joppa a believer Tabitha (Dorcas) who is devoted to good works and charity dies. The grieving women show him all the things Dorcas made for others. Peter prays and says to her “Tabitha, get up.” She gets up. Peter calls all the believers and the other women showing them that Tabitha is alive. He stays in Joppa with Simon the tanner.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Ice thawing in the sun
Mt Hotham Vic L Osburn

Holy and everlasting God you heal us revive us forgive us and free us. We thank you for your faithfulness and care. Help us step away from all sin to come to you in prayer and confession, recommitting ourselves to your service no matter where we are in the world, so that we like Dorcas and Aeneas may get up, and continue your work through the power of your Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday 13 June 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 102: 12-28

This second portion of the lament turns into a hymn of prayer and praise to God. God will look after us; hears our prayers and is eternal.

Proverbs 12: 1 – 14

If you love discipline you love knowledge and you know you will make mistakes. Not accepting the discipline or correction leads to stupidity.

There is no security in wickedness and the words of the wicked are an ambush.

Good wives add to their household and like those with good sense are commended.

The righteous people care for and respond to the needs of their animals.

If you work – till the land- you will have food but engaging in worthless pursuits is senseless.

2 Corinthians 11: 7 - 15

That Paul has never asked for financial support from Corinth for his ministry has been used against him. He has either self-funded through work or had support from other places like Macedonia to show he is genuine, to serve Corinth and to not burden them. He will continue to do so unlike false teachers who charge for their ministry posing as apostles and leading the people astray. He says that their end will match their deeds.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Grass in the snow
Mt Hotham Vic L Osburn

Loving God you hear our prayers and care for us. When we are working hard, being genuine and diligent help us to listen to criticism and respond with love knowing that we or others will learn and grow through the outcome of the conversation so that we maintain our humility and show respect for all knowing that true commendation comes from you alone through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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