5 July 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Tuesday 5 July 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalms 15 and 16
The first psalm lists the
moral characteristics of people who are permitted in the temple. People who
tell the truth, care for their neighbour and behave ethically.
The second psalm praises
and blesses God and delights in the faithful. The psalmist commits to support
people of faith and uses personal testimony of how God has enriched his life.
2 Chronicles 22
Ahaziah, son of Jehoram
becomes king of Judah and also is wicked. He visits King Ahab’s son who is
recovering from a war injury and is killed by Jehu son of Nimshi, who at the
time was executing judgement on the house of Ahab. Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah
becomes queen and has all Ahaziah’s male children killed except one who was
hidden by the king’s daughter who was also wife to a priest.
John 3: 22 – 36
Jesus and the disciples go
out into Judah and Jesus is baptising people. Meanwhile John the Baptists is
also baptising in another place. John’s disciples come to John to tell him
about what Jesus is doing. John says first, no one can receive anything unless
it comes from heaven. Second that he already told everyone that he is not the
Messiah. John compares himself to the best man at a wedding he isn’t the
bridegroom. He rejoices: his joy is fulfilled. John knows too that like the
best man, his power and influence has to decrease.
John says explicitly that
Jesus is above all, is sent by God, gives freely of the Spirit, tells the truth
and is not believed. Those who believe know that God is true. The Father loves
the Son and has placed all things in his hands. The Son brings eternal life to
those who believe.
Collect for Morning Prayer
Bon Accord Track Alpine National Park Vic L Osburn |
Holy Lord you sent your Son to us to heal to forgive
to renew and to give us a pathway to you eternally. He is the Son of love, Son
of power and might and deals gently with us all. Let us feel that wonder and
joy in our hearts so that we may go out into the world you love with courage
and spirit loving and accepting your people and doing your will through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tuesday 5 July 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalm 17: 1 – 13 (14) 15
- 16
The psalmist is a
faithful and devout person who has been beset by wicked enemies. God’s
protection and care is requested. God is asked to overthrow the wickedness. The
psalmist wants relationships restored: him with God, the people with God and
with him.
Ezekiel 14
Elders come to Ezekiel to
consult God but all of them have in their homes idols to other gods. God will
not be consulted while these stumbling blocks are present. These people are
outside the community of God. The prophet will say nothing. If a prophet does
speak it will be false and misleading.
Further when the
destruction comes, the righteous might be spared but their righteous is no
protection for their sons or daughters; not even great righteousness. And when
the destruction comes witnesses will be consoled when they see that those who
remain are the righteous.
Galatians 3: 1 – 14
Paul challenges the
Galatians. He asks did they receive the Spirit by obeying the law or by hearing
of Christ and believing? If they received the spirit by hearing and believing
why then tie themselves to the law: why go backwards? The law does not rely on
faith. Once anyone’s will has been confirmed or endorsed, that is all that is
needed.
Abraham believed in God and
he is counted to be righteous, this was before the law existed. And God said to
Abraham that all people from all nations would be blessed through him. So,
those who believe are blessed with Abraham. The law, coming so much later does
not annul God’s promise.
Collect for Evening Prayer
Dusting of snow and a rainbow Harrietville Vic L Osburn |
Holy and wonderful God, you are the only Lord of all. Be with us now as we
reaffirm our faith in you and our gratitude for your Son Jesus Christ our
saviour and redeemer. Fill our hearts with joy and thanks that we through faith
are in your grace, in your presence and in your love through Jesus Christ your
Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.
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