25 July 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 25 July 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 62 and 63

For God my soul waits in silence: my salvation and my hope come from God. All people and things and powers are temporary. God is our rock and fortress and we shall not be shaken. Steadfast love belongs to God.

As a drought-ravaged land seeks water so our souls seek God. God’s love is better than life. God’s love is like a rich feast. Meditating on God causes our souls to sing.

The psalm ends with a plea for personal security.

Hosea 1

Hosea is a prophet of the Northern Kingdom in the time of Jeroboam. The first time God speaks to him, he is told to take a prostitute as his wife. He marries Gomer and she has 3 children whose names God selects. Jezreel the first, means “God sows” but also relates to a valley where a king was killed. Lo-ruhamah, a daughter, the second child means “not pitied” for God will not pity Israel. The third child a son, is called Lo-ammi meaning “not my people”. God rejects Israel. Though they will be a large population, in the future Judah and Israel will be united.

John 8: 31 – 47

Jesus talks to the Jews who believe in him. He explains how they are slaves to sin and that continuing in the truth as shown by Jesus will set them free. They dispute that as sons of Abraham they have always been free. Jesus counters that if they were true sons of Abraham they would do as God says through Jesus and not be trying to kill him. They then say they have one Father, God himself. Jesus responds that if God were their Father, they would love him. They can’t understand and there is no room for Jesus because the evil one leads them.

Whoever is from God hears the word of God. The reason they are not hearing is because they are not from God. They are ruled by sin.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The bank is breached - swinging ceases
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

Holy Lord, how steadfast and faithful you are throughout all time even when we turn away and listen to our own self-interest and pride? You persist with us, and bring us to the truth and open our eyes and ears to you. Keep us patient and focused on you today, even if we encounter opposition. Guide us to respond gently and respectfully and stay riveted to you so that we retain the freedom that comes from quiet confidence in you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Monday 25 July 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 64 and 67

The first psalm is about those who do evil and think no one can see or hear them. God knows. God sees. God will respond. Let the righteous rejoice and take refuge in God.

The second psalm is a blessing. “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us” (v 1). The blessing asks too that our lives be testament to God’s glory. May the whole world sing praise and rejoice.

Ezekiel 36: (16 – 21) 22 – 38

Ezekiel tells of God’s promise to restore Israel. Homes will be rebuilt; the land will become productive again. All this will be for God’s own sake and for the people to look back on their past deeds, reflect on their poor behaviour and be aware of the great generosity of God. They will know that God is Lord.

Romans 4: 1 – 12

Paul recalls Abraham whose faith and belief in God meant he was righteous. Circumcision came afterwards as a sign of that righteousness. Abraham did not earn righteousness. It was a gift. Abraham is the ancestor of all who believe and the ancestor of the circumcised who follow Abraham’s example of faith.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Winter Camellia
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

Generous and loving God, in your grace and mercy you forgive us and grant us a new, clear beginning with you. Be with us now as we reflect not only on your generosity to us but to all who believe in you in this world. We ask that you keep all your people in every country safe in your loving embrace and that their songs of praise to you resound across our planet through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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