20 July 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 20 July 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 48

This psalm praises Mt Zion City of God its walls and grandeur. Moreover, it is the place where God can be found and kings approaching fall and fail once they recognise God dwells here. In the temple the people ponder God’s steadfast love and praise God’s name throughout the earth. The psalmist tells us to come to the holy city, walk around; go into the citadels so that we can tell our children and their children that this God, our God will be our guide forever.

Amos 7: 10 – 8: 3

Amaziah the priest of Bethel reports what Amos has said to King Jeroboam. Amaziah tells Amos to flee and never prophecy in Israel. Amos says that he is not a prophet but a herdsman and dresser of sycamore trees and the Lord took him and told him what to say. He then reports what God says about the dreadful future that awaits Amaziah, his family and Israel.

John 7: 14 – 31

In the middle of the festival of the Booths Jesus goes to the temple to teach. People are amazed at his knowledge and debate about where his knowledge comes from. Jesus’s knowledge, message and purpose are all from and for God.

Jesus challenges them on their hypocrisy of which parts of the law they allow to be kept or not kept on the Sabbath (circumcision or healing).

The people debate whether Jesus is the Messiah or not. They try to arrest him but this is not the right time and he avoids capture.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Towers of the Post Office and Old Town Hall
Broken Hill NSW  L Osburn

God of salvation, to you be praise and honour and glory. You protect us in times of chaos and strife. You have given your word to prophets to warn us, and your Son to teach us and to redeem us. Help us understand how much you cherish us so that we acknowledging that love, have the courage to step into your world and bring your love to others through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Wednesday 20 July 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 49

This is a riddle psalm / song.

Why should we worry about persecutors or the wealthy? No one can live forever. The wise and foolish die too. All possessions are left to others. Mortals can’t abide all the pomp of life – we will die. Those who are pleased with their lot will die. But God will ransom my soul and receive me.

Don’t be afraid when someone becomes richer and they are happy in their life. They and they ancestors will be gone. Mortals can’t abide all the pomp of life – we will die.

Ezekiel 34: 1 – 16

Ezekiel prophesies against the shepherds of Israel. The shepherds are not properly caring for the sheep, seeking them out when lost or guiding them but feeding off them and clothing themselves with the wool. Thus the sheep are scattered and not following.

God’s message through Ezekiel is that God will be the shepherd, bring the sheep safely home to lush pastures no matter where in the world they are. He will give them rest and strengthen the weak.

Romans 2: 12 – 24

Paul talks of the basis for God’s judgement. For the Jews, they have the Mosaic Law and will be judged according to that. Are they guides to the blind, lights in the darkness, correctors of the foolish and teachers of children? And for those of other nations their consciences will guide them and be their defence before God.

Paul also says that those who have the Law and break it are the ones who are blaspheming, for those of other nations see and discount the value of God.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Boarded up store
Wilcannia NSW  L Osburn

Great shepherd, you care for each one of us as a good shepherd and you want us to care for, support, teach and guide others. Strengthen us we pray to look to you and not our own comfort, and to be diligent in these tasks so that we may bring people safely to your loving care and foster awe and wonder and praise to you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Please leave a comment or feedback.