29 June 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 29 June 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 145

This psalm praises and blesses God for all the great acts of creation, mercy, salvation, awesome acts, steadfast love, compassion, and might. What God has done proclaims the glory of the kingdom. That kingdom will endure forever.

On a more personal level God is faithful, gracious, upholds people while they are falling, raises up people who are oppressed. God provides as required, in time and with justice. God hears, saves and watches us. We will praise the Lord and all living things will bless God forever.

2 Chronicles 18: 19 - 27

Micaiah the prophet tells King Ahab of Israel of his vision where God asks who would entice the king to fight and die at Ramoth-gilead. He says that a spirit comes forward, a lying spirit and offers to go into the mouths of the other prophets. Zedekiah slaps him and argues that Micaiah is the one lying. Micaiah replies that Zedekiah will find the truth when he has to hide in his inner chamber.

King Ahab orders Micaiah to be taken to prison and fed on reduced rations until the King returns in peace. Micaiah tells the king that if he does return in peace then God has not spoken through him (Micaiah) and charges all the prophets to hear.

Acts 14: 19 – 28

In Lystra where Paul and Barnabas try to stop the people thinking they were Greek Gods, the Jews who were against them in Antioch arrive, win over the people who stone Paul and thinking he is dead drag him out of the city. The disciples surround him and he gets up. He and Barnabas go to Derbe.

In Derbe they make many disciples. They return to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch strengthening the disciples there and encouraging them in the faith. They proclaim that persecutions are part of the faith journey. They continue on to other towns bringing the good news and then return again to Antioch where they stay for some time.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Old gum in desert creek
Stephen's Creek NSW L Osburn

Wonderful Lord we thank you for your people of faith who in their lives show us courage, determination and resilience. Through your presence in their lives they were assured and empowered to persist and to hold true to you. Give us that strength, that backbone of faith so that we too step through the challenges we face knowing that you are with us, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wednesday 29 June 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 147

This psalm rejoices in singing praise to a gracious God. God builds up the community, gathers the outcasts, heals the broken-hearted and binds their wounds. This is the same God who created the stars. Sing to God.

God brings the rain that produces grass and feeds the animals and allows birds to sing. God isn’t interested in who is the fastest or strongest but in our reverence.

The city of the faithful is charged to praise the Lord: for itself, the safety of the children, the peace. This God who controls all the weather looks after us. No other God is like our God.

Ezekiel 8: 16 – 9: 11

Ezekiel has a vision of 25 men in the temple with their backs to the altar worshipping the sun as it rises and holding branches to their noses. There is dismay that God’s people are so provocative. These actions can only lead to violence in the land.

Titus 3

Paul gives direction to Titus. He is to remind people to obey the law and be subject to those who are ruling; to do good works; to speak evil of no one and not quarrel and, to be gentle and courteous.

God saved us by grace not because we were good. We have the water of rebirth and the Holy Spirit. We have been justified by grace through Jesus so that we are heirs of God’s eternal kingdom.

We are to avoid stupid controversies and quarrels about the law. And, after warning someone twice have nothing to so with those who cause divisions – they condemn themselves.

Have the people devote themselves to good works that meet urgent needs and so that they are productive.

Paul ends with a blessing.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Windmill - water pump
Armadale WA  L Osburn

Holy Lord, your psalmists, prophets and leaders warn us that we will have days that are tough, provoking and that cause us dismay. You guide us and give us clear strategies on how to respond. We praise you and thank you for your love and care for us. Strengthen us to always be gentle and courteous and be assured that your might and your power will prevail through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen. 

Please leave a comment or feedback.