23 July 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 23 July 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 54 and 55: 1 – 12

The first psalm is a plea to be saved from enemies, a statement of faith and a promise to give a free will offering to God once the psalmist is triumphant.

The second psalm portion is another plea for aid against enemies. The psalmist fears for his life and wants to run away. There is trouble around the city walls and the psalmist asks that the enemies’ plans be confused.

Amos 9: 7 – 15

Amos continues to report God’s word, this time saying that other nations too have been restored to their lands, not just Israel. Israel is not to think itself too special. Israel will be captured as pebbles in a sieve.

God will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob. There will be a remnant from the house of David. There will be a time in the future where the reaping slows and ploughing can begin, when production starts again and people can be free to drink the wine they produce for themselves. Israel will be planted again and not leave their land.

John 8: 12 – 30

Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (v. 12). The Pharisees dispute with him that this assessment is not valid. Jesus says that because he knows his origins and what is to come, even if this is a self-assessment, it is valid. He goes on to say that no one can follow his path, that he is following God’s path and speaking God’s words. When Christ is raised up the people will know who he is, and what he has done. Many believe in him.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Morning on the Nullarbor Plain and the Southern Ocean
SA  L Osburn

 Magnificent God, you are worthy to be praised. You have created this world, you forgive us redeem us and restore us to you. You sent your Son to be the light of the world, to help us see our way and to return to you. As we come through difficult times help us to focus on you and your love for all so that we spread your love and expand its expression in the world through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

Saturday 23 July 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 55: 13 – 15 (16 – 17) 18 – 28

The psalmist’s enemy is a close friend. It is harder to bear treachery from someone close. The friend has tricked another and done great harm. God will hear and respond. Lay our burdens on God. God’s is the punishment not ours. Trust God.

Ezekiel 36: 1 – 25

Ezekiel prophesies that God will restore Israel, and do more good for them than before. The killing of children will cease. This will occur not because the people are behaving well but for the sake of God’s name.

Romans 3: 21 – 31

Paul continues to say that we all stand before God on an equal footing justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus was the sacrifice of atonement by faith. So, there is no basis for boasting. It is our faith not our works that justifies us and we uphold the Law.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Eucla Airport
Eucla WA  L Osburn

Gracious, loving nurturing God, you go that extra distance for us always and bring us to you, not because we are good but because you are merciful, forgiving and gave us the gift of Christ our saviour. Lift up our hearts and voices to you so that praise and gratitude comes from our mouths, hearts and actions and others can see how great you are and seek a relationship with you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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