1 August 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Monday 1 August 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalm
74
This
psalm is one of community lament.
Enemies have come and destroyed the city, the temple and everything that
gives identity to the people. An appeal is made to God using stories of
creation and God’s past provision for the people. The enemy ridicules and the
soul of the people is at risk of being destroyed. The psalmist asks to Lord to
rise up for the people’s sake.
Hosea
6: 4 – 7: 7
Hosea’s
prophecy continues against Judah, Ephraim and Israel. God desires steadfast
love and not sacrifice. God desires knowledge of God and not burnt offerings.
The outwards shows are not the same as inner faithfulness and openness.
John
10: 40 – 11: 16
Jesus
goes to the place where John was last baptising people. Many believe in him and
recall that everything John said about the Messiah is fulfilled in Jesus.
He
hears that Lazarus is ill. He waits two days then starts the journey back to
Judea. The disciples are afraid for his safety. He talks about walking in the
light and the protection of God. Jesus has to tell them plainly that Lazarus is
dead. Thomas declares his faith; even if
it means they are going to die he says let us go with Jesus.
Collect for Morning Prayer
Cape Le Grand National Park WA L Osburn |
Steadfast and loving God, you desire
from us a willingness to learn about you and be faithful to you. Throughout the
stories of your people of faith, time and again you come to them, rescue, heal
them and restore them even from death. Keep our hearts and minds open to you so
that we too walk in your light faithfully following Jesus your Son our Lord.
Amen.
Monday 1 August 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalms
75 and 76
The
first psalm begins with praise and moves on to describe God as judge: putting
down the boastful wicked and lifting up the righteous.
In
second psalm God is portrayed as a mighty warrior who protects the poor and
oppressed against foes, even armies of nations. Kneeling in thanks and praise
to God is the only role for human wrath.
Lamentations
1: 1 – 11a
This is
a great lament over the destruction of the city and the sacking of the temple. The
city is compared to a daughter: afflicted, suffering, hungry and all her
belongings stolen.
Romans 7:
1 – 12
Paul
compares Christians to a widow who since her husband has died is free to
remarry. While her husband was alive the law binds her and remarriage is
adultery.
Before
the Law, we did not know what sin was. The Law makes it clear. For instance it
tells us what envy is. Now we know we are open to being envious. Sin sneaks in
and we are slaves to it. The Law is good it does not cause us to sin. We
however, since our focus is on Jesus and not on ourselves, are freed from the
pull of sin.
Collect for Evening Prayer
Soft pink wildflowers Cape Le Grand National Park WA L Osburn |
God of freedom, you have come to us,
died for us and relieved us of the power of sin. You ask that we get to know
you and focus on you and your gifts of grace and hope and love. Keep our hearts
soft and our ears open, our minds sharp and our wills strong so that we walk in
your freedom in this world through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
Please leave a comment or
feedback.
No comments:
Post a Comment