11 July 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 11 July 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 28 and 29

In the first psalm, the there is an appeal to not be like people who don’t believe and / or those who are deceitful. The psalmist changes focus and reminds us how big and powerful God is who saves and shepherds the people forever.

The next psalm picks up this theme on the almighty power of God just by whose voice water, forests, mountains and fire dance or whirl. The Lord’s power brings people confidence and peace.

Amos 1: 1 - 10

Amos is a shepherd who is called to be a prophet. He begins by prophesying punishment for Judah and Israel’s neighbours for their rebellion or enslaving of other peoples.

John 5: 1 – 18

Jesus goes to Jerusalem for the festival of the Jews. It is the Sabbath. He heals a man on the Sabbath. Jesus asks him does he want to be well. He says yes. Jesus tells him to talk up his bed and walk.

Some Jews see the man carrying his bed on the Sabbath. The man initially cannot identify Jesus. Later Jesus and the man meet again. Jesus tells the man to sin no more. The man identifies Jesus to the Jews who confront him. Jesus says God, his Father works on the Sabbath and so should he. These Jews want Jesus dead for breaking the Sabbath and presuming to be equal to God.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Winter camellias
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

Magnificent and almighty God you heal us and redeem us through your loving grace. Keep our hearts open to you, our minds set on doing good and our actions seeking peace so that we may be part of the healing of this world and the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Monday 11 July 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 30 and 32

The first psalm is of praise and thanksgiving for healing and prayers answered.

The second psalm begins telling us how happy are those whose sins are forgiven. The psalmist recounts how he was unwell and until he acknowledged his sins and confessed. Healing began. He encourages all to offer prayer when distressed and warns us not to be stubborn about it.  Steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.

Ezekiel 20: 1 – 17

Elders of Israel come to consult God through Ezekiel. What follows is significant challenge to them from God, given the history of the people and their faithlessness even in the face of God’s forgiveness and generosity.

Galatians 5: 1 – 15

Paul appeals to the Galatians no to let themselves be circumcised; not to let themselves be ruled by Jewish Law but to stay connected to Christ and be justified by faith and grace. Paul is angry with those who confuse the Galatians and require them to become Jews.

We are called to freedom, to love one another. And if we do harm each other be warned that we may destroy each other.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Snow drops
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

Holy Lord we seek you for your love and care, grace and mercy. If we were to be judged by your commandments we would never survive. But you are the one who gave your Son to redeem us all, to bring us to freedom so that we may talk with you and hear your word for our lives. Be with us, strengthen us to love and care for each other so that we in your grace, may continue our lives in freedom and enable others to experience it too through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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