22 July 2017

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 22 July 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 51

The psalmist asks for God’s mercy for sins to be forgiven, transgressions blotted out. The psalmist admits that the sin was against God alone and God’s judgement is justified. Since God desires truth, the psalmist asks to be taught wisdom in his secret heart. The psalmist wants to experience joy and gladness again since his whole being is crushed in recognition of his sin. “Create in me a new heart, O God and put a right spirit within me” (v.10).

Amos 9: 1 – 6

Amos continues to report the word of God on the destruction of Israel. In lyrical prose he leaves us with no doubt that God will seek out, find and destroy Israel. The people will be killed or taken in captivity.

John 8: 1 – 11

Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives. Next morning he goes to the temple. He begins to teach and then the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery and ask Jesus whether she should be stoned according to Mosaic Law. Jesus draws with his finger in the dirt before answering. They pester him for an answer so he stands. He challenges them to throw a stone if they themselves are sin free. He lowers himself again and draws again in the dirt. One by one, elders first they go away. Jesus stands and asks where did they go and is there no one left to condemn her? She says no. He will not condemn her either and she is to go and sin no more.

Collect for Morning Prayer

In silence
Rutherglen Victoria  L Osburn

Almighty God, your mercy truth and wisdom are our great need. We wait in silence for new hearts and renewed spirit. Forgive us. Give us grace to respond to others in your love remembering our temporary and fragile natures so that all may be free from fear, persecution through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Friday 22 July 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 52 and 53

In the first psalm a person who trusts riches, seeks refuge in wealth, who is mischievous and plots destruction is warned that God will respond. In comparison those who trust in God are like a green olive tree, trusting in the steadfast love of God and praising God.

The second psalm is about those who do not believe and who do evil. God’s response to them will be terrifying. The psalmist prays for the people to be delivered and for their fortunes to be restored.

Ezekiel 35

Ezekiel prophesies against Edom for they continued an ancient enmity, attacked God’s people and sought to annex the land God had given to their own. God will treat these people in the same way they treated the Israelites. Then they will know that God is God.

Romans 3: 9 – 20

Paul clarifies for all that all of us have sinned. The Law tells the Jews what actions break the Law. None of them can keep the Law. So, on our own, no human is without sin before God.

Collect for Evening Prayer

The ice thaws
Mt Hotham Victoria  L Osburn

Eternal God, you know us. You know whether we have let go past enmities, injuries and hurts. Be with us this night as we bring all our failings to you secure in the knowledge of your forgiveness won by Jesus Christ your Son and our saviour so that we may rest in your love, wake tomorrow refreshed and live lives that are like a green olive tree, trusting in you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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