24 June 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Friday 24 June 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalms
130, 131 and 133
The
first psalm is a lament and recognition of God’s forgiveness and steadfast
love. The second describes deep humility: a calmed and quieted soul that waits
in trust for the Lord. The third psalm rejoices in family peace and harmony.
2 Chronicles 14
Abijah the king dies and
his son Asa is his successor. Asa commands Judah to be faithful to God and gets
rid of all places where people might worship idols or other gods. The kingdom
lives in peace. A huge army comes against them from the direction of Egypt. Asa
calls for God’s assistance and although greatly outnumbered the army of Judah
wins.
Acts 13: 26 – 41
Paul, in the synagogue in
Antioch continues to tell the story of Jesus. He says that the people of
Jerusalem did not understand what Jesus was saying and did not recognise who he
was and so fulfilled all the prophesies. Though he had committed no wrong they
had him killed.
His resurrection was
foretold in the scriptures and Paul quotes the texts.
He proclaims that through
this man forgiveness of sins is possible in a way not possible through the Law
of Moses. He then quotes Habakkuk and tells those who scoff to be amazed for in
their day unbelievable things will be done.
Collect for Morning Prayer
Pink Frangipani Di's Garden Mandurah WA L Osburn |
Great and wonderful God the scriptures tell of your care
and nurturing to us individually, your instructing of us in humility and they
tell of your protection from vast armies and more your conquest of sin so that
we may all be forgiven. Fill us now with your joy and peace so that we may go
confidently into your world and into our families secure in your love
protection and power to do your will through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Friday 24 June 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalms
132 and 134
The
first psalm is a reminder to God that David promised to bring the Ark of the Covenant
to a permanent dwelling in Jerusalem. God indicates that if David’s offspring
keep the commandments then the dynasty will last.
The
second psalm is a blessing. Come bless the Lord. Lift up your hands and bless
the Lord. May the Lord bless the earth.
Ezekiel 5
Ezekiel receives and
interprets the message from God that Jerusalem will be punished for forsaking
God and rebelling against the statutes. One third will die of disease and
famine, one third will be killed in the fighting and one third will flee and be
pursued. Jerusalem, the great city at the centre of everything will become a
mockery, a horror and a taunt. Such are the consequences of their sin.
James 4
James outlines the
challenges of being godly and living in the world. Conflict and harm come
because we want something and cannot have it. We have either not asked for it
or we ask wrongly because we are going to use it for ourselves – our own wants
and not God’s purposes.
James likens this to
adultery – we are cheating on God. God yearns jealously for the spirit he made
that dwells in us and he gives us grace when we are humble, not arrogant and
not seeking our own cravings. So seek God, be humble, repent and evil will
flee. Don’t judge others.
Instead of thinking,
“Tomorrow I’ll got to someplace and start a new venture”, think instead, “If
the Lord wishes we will….” Put everything you do before God first for we are
fragile and temporary in this world.
Collect for Evening Prayer
In the garden Di's Garden Mandurah WA L Osburn |
Loving generous God, you know that things are tough and challenging in this
world. Help us to seek you first in everything we encounter, all the
opportunities and all the hardships so that we are blessed by that seeking, go
with you and the power of your Holy Spirit to do your will, and serve your
purposes in your timing through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power
of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.
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