20 June 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 20 June 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 114 and 115

First, the psalmist recalls the exodus and crossing of the sea and the Jordan: that the natural world moved and changed to suit God’s purpose. The second psalm starts praising God for faithful and constant expression of love. The psalmist ridicules the idol-makers who like their idols may have the physical senses (eyes, ears, noses…) but make no use of them. God is contrasted as a sensing and active presence worthy to be trusted. The psalmist blesses the hearer of the psalm.

2 Chronicles 10

Solomon is dead and Rehoboam becomes king. The tribes of Israel outside of Judah come to him and request that the load of service they are required to give the king be lessened. Rehoboam first consults the elders who council leniency and he next consults the younger advisers who council increasing the harsh treatment. He chooses to be harsh. The kingdom splits so that he only has control of the cities and towns of Judah.

Acts 12: 1 – 11

Herod Agrippa begins persecuting the church and has James the brother of John killed. He has Peter arrested intending to kill him too. Peter in prison is in chains with two soldiers in the cell and two guarding outside. He wakes to see an angel of the Lord (he thinks it is a dream). The angel tells him to get up quickly, fasten his belt, put on sandals and his cloak and follow the angel. They move through the prison and through an iron gate that self-opened. When they are safely out in a lane the angel leaves him.

Peter realises this is not a dream and instead he has been rescued by an angel of the Lord.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Wedge-tail Eagle
Deniliquin NSW  L Osburn

Almighty God of limitless power and agency you are the great source of compassion. You have already given us your son, the greatest gift. We humbly come to you now asking for your direct action and aid to lift the oppression in this world, strip the shades from our eyes so that we can see false ideas and advice, unite us, bring us out of the chaos and separation from each other and join us all in love and grace, with you through the power of your Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday 20 June 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 116 and 117

The first psalm gives thanks to God for healing. Even when he is profoundly depressed the psalmist trusts in God. The second psalm is a global call to praise God.

Ezekiel 1: 1 – 21

Ezekiel has a vision that includes symbols of God’s glory: intelligence, mobility, strength and all seeing. It is a vision of the glory of God.

James 1: 1 – 18

When we face trials we are to rejoice because testing our faith produces endurance. We are to strengthen our faith and choose faith over doubt – to be consistent. Let us boast in being raised up when we are lowly. Let us remember that temptation comes from our own desires and can give birth to sin. So we are blessed when we endure temptation.

Generous acts of giving are from God and we, like the first fruits of the harvest give our selves back to God to fulfil his purpose.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Skateboarder in flight
Deniliquin NSW  L Osburn

All-powerful and all-knowing God our lives are truly and fully blessed when we live them with you. Be with us today in everything we do so that we stride over temptation dodge sin, act generous and feel that wonderful raising up of our hearts through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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