23 June 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 23 June 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 124, 125 and 126

If it had not been for the Lord the enemy forces would have attacked and overwhelmed us like a flood. Blessed be the Lord. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Those who trust in God shall never be moved. God will surround and support us. The psalmist prays for blessing on the faithful and that evil be kept away from us.

When we are restored we are full of joy and praise and others notice that our God has done great things for us. So we ask to be restored, that those in tears reap joy and those who weep and sow seeds come back with an abundant harvest.

2 Chronicles 13

Abijah, Rehoboam’s son becomes king after his father’s death. He mounts a battle against Jeroboam (who made himself king of Israel) from whom the Levites and priests had fled. Abijah, before the battle, proclaims that Judah has kept faith with God while Israel has turned to worthless idols. Abijah calls on God’s aid in the battle and even though Jeroboam’s army surrounds Judah’s warriors, Judah prevails and the kingdom Israel and Judah are reunited.

Acts 13: 13 – 25

Paul and his company continue their journey. John returns to Jerusalem. In Antioch, the officials of the synagogue ask them to speak. Paul does so and gives a brief history of the Israelites from the exodus to David, the prophecy about Jesus and the work and testimony of John the Baptist.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Goods Trains
Broken Hill NSW  L Osburn

God of steadfast love, you support us through times of exile and times of war and times of relief and joy. When we stand loyally and faithfully with you, your purpose is fulfilled in us. As we begin this new day, bring us and keep us by your side so that we experience your purpose fulfilled in us, are examples to others of what great things you do for us and praise you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thursday 23 June 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 127, 128 and 129

Unless the Lord is with us in what we do, our labour is in vain. Rising early, working late and being anxious about things are not part of God’s plan.

Those who walk with God are blessed to have the freedom to eat our own produce, prosperity sufficient for women to be creative and children to flourish. It is a blessing to see our grandchildren.

God has preserved us from all assaults in the past. The psalmist asks that those who are enemies of God not prevail.

Ezekiel 4

God’s instructions to Ezekiel point to the coming siege of Jerusalem where there will be food rationing and limited water supply for the people.

James 3

James writes that not many of us should be teachers because what we say is small but powerful – like a rudder on a ship, like a bridle for a horse or like a small flame in a forest – and we will be judged with greater strictness.

If we are speaking it needs to be peaceable, gentle, willing to yield mercy and to bless – there can be no curses or arrogance. A water source cannot produce fresh and brackish water; a fig tree cannot also produce olives. Whether we are teachers or not we need to speak wisely, with understanding and gentleness because it reveals our heart and the truth of who we are.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Sturt Desert Peas - in a ring
Broken Hill NSW L Osburn

Loving God you love us and want us to live in peace and gentleness with each other. We want that too and we want to distance ourselves from anything that is opposed to you. Be with us now as we reflect on our actions today. Help us see the times when we responded with peace, gentleness mercy and blessing even though the circumstances were tough. Strengthen us to continue to do that so that we show ourselves to be yours consistently through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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