13 July 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 13 July 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 35: 1 – 17

This section of the psalm asks for God to contend with personal enemies: those who fight, who devise evil, who ensnare, who are malicious witnesses, who repay good for evil and, who mock. The psalmist asks, “say to my soul ‘I am your salvation’ ” (v.3).

Amos 2: 6 – 16

Amos continues to list Israel’s wrongdoings and remind them of God’s punishment of other nations. Amos prophesies destruction and oppression to come.

John 5: 30 – 47

Jesus says that his judgements are just because he has no interest in the outcome. He is not doing anything to promote himself. Those who testify for and on behalf of Jesus are: God – and that testimony is true, John the Baptist, the God given works Jesus does and the scriptures.

He says that the Jews search for eternal life in the scriptures and the scriptures says Jesus will come and bring life but they refuse to come to Jesus to have life. Instead they accept glory from fellow humans. Isn’t it better to accept God’s glory from God directly?

Jesus says that Moses wrote about him and if they won’t believe Moses, they are not going to believe Jesus.

Collect for Morning Prayer

First snow 2:30 am Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

God of eternal patience, you have performed wonders and miracles, given us laws and leaders, and your own Son to us. You are patient. You wait for us to open our eyes and hearts to you. Give us patience too today to hear you say to our souls, "I am your salvation", to quietly and consistently do your work not for praise or recognition from others but for you and for your glory through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday 13 July 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 35: 18 – 29 and 36

The end of the first psalm continues the plea for God to contend with personal enemies and vows to praise God when the psalmist is vindicated.

The second psalm describes the character of those who are wicked. It then describes the character of God “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light”(v.9). The psalm ends in a plea for steadfast love and salvation.

Ezekiel 20: 39 – 21: 7

Ezekiel continues with God’s response to the elders of Israel. The elders are told to continue worshipping their useless idols since they won’t listen to God. But they are to know that after the destruction and after the exile there will be a return to Jerusalem where all will gather and worship God and recognise their faithlessness. They will recognise that God is God and deals with them in God’s way.

Galatians 6: 1 – 10

Paul gives practical advice on how we demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit. If someone does something wrong, we are to restore them in a spirit of gentleness. We are to be watchful for things that tempt us. We are to support each other. When we think we are important remember we are deceiving ourselves. Criticise and test our own work, not others. Support those who teach us. Put time and effort into the spirit and we will reap a harvest there. Whenever we have a chance, do things for the community of the faithful.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Power outage: coffe on the log fire Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

Gracious God, you have provided us with everything we need for life, community and our future. Help us keep our focus on you and show your living spirit in our lives by the way we interact with the world and with others. Strengthen in us your spirit of gentleness, mindfulness, care, humility and action where it is needed through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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