15 July 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 15 July 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 37: 1 – 17

There are people who do evil and prosper. Their presence is a challenge to us to choose faith, to do good things, to stay calm, to not get angry or envious of their wealth. Stay with the Lord and be patient. It is their story and God’s job to deal with if they continue to reject God.

Amos 4

Amos prophesies against those who live in excess and oppress others, those who love to be seen to be pious and who broadcast their sacrifices, and those who do not turn back to God even when there is drought, pestilence, war or famine. Amos prophesies therefore that since Israel is not prepared to turn back to God they need to prepare to meet God and God’s full force the same force that formed the mountains and created the wind.

John 6: 16 – 34

Jesus is still up the mountain and the day ends. The disciples get in a boat and go across the lake to Capernaum. They row out for 3-4 miles, the weather becomes rough and they see Jesus walking on the water. He identifies himself and they are about to take him on board when they find they are already at the shore.

The crowd that remained behind knew there had only been one boat and that the disciples had gone. When boats come near from another town people board to follow the disciples. They find Jesus.

They ask Jesus how he managed to get across the lake and for signs. Jesus challenges them that they just want more material things and should seek the food that lasts. They are to believe in him who God has sent. Again they ask for a sign, a miracle. Jesus says that Moses did not feed the people in the wilderness, God did. All the signs are God’s actions. God sends the true bread into the world.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Feeling the nourishment
Mandurah Estuary WA  L Osburn

God of relationship and connection, you want us to be with you and give us opportunity after opportunity to come to you not for what we can get materially but for real and abundant and eternal life. Your greatest gift to us is Jesus. Give us the wisdom and openness today to take in the saving grace of Jesus. Let us feel that nourishment, so that we may be signs to others of your great love, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Friday 15 July 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 37: 18 – 41

This portion of the psalm continues with examples of God’s retribution for the wicked and protection and salvation for the faithful and the meek.

Ezekiel 22: 1 – 22 (23 – 31)

Ezekiel declares God’s judgement on Jerusalem. There is in Jerusalem violence, oppression, incest, extortion the list goes on. God commands that the city be put to fire as dross is put in a smelter and comes out pure refined metal. Jerusalem is about to be destroyed.

Romans 1: 1 – 15

Paul introduces himself and his message and greets the Romans. Paul acknowledges the Romans’ faith and hopes to come to see them both to encourage them and be encouraged by them. He explains that he has learned from people of other nations – Greeks and barbarians – thus showing that he will listen to them genuinely.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Sharing and encouraging
Oakland NSW  L Osburn

God of love you protect us and you teach us to encourage each other and in turn also be encouraged. In this corrupt and violent world, keep us aware that there are small groups of your faithful. Help us to make contact, send messages of hope and grace and listen to their stories. In this way we leave all judgment and retribution to you, and support and encourage each other to grow in love for you through the power of your Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Please leave a comment or feedback.