10 August 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Wednesday 10 August 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalms
92 and 93
In
the first psalm God’s faithfulness and steadfast love is praised. On this
occasion the King’s enemies have failed in some other place and are no more.
Everything has been restored. The righteous people prosper.
In
the second psalm God’s greatness is praised – more powerful than floods, more
powerful than the seas. God’s commandments are sure and God lives in holiness.
Hosea
14
Hosea
makes a final appeal to Israel to return to God who will restore, heal and
enable Israel to flourish. God has always been the provider; there are no other
gods that listen to prayers to idols.
Acts
16: 25 – 40
Paul
and Silas are in gaol with their feet held in stocks. It is midnight and they
are singing hymns. The other prisoners are listening. An earthquake occurs and
the doors of the prison are open. The gaoler is about to commit suicide and
Paul calls out to say all the prisoners are here. The gaoler takes Paul and
Silas home, treats their wounds and he and his whole household are baptised.
In the
morning the magistrates send for Paul and Silas to be released. Paul refuses.
He makes it clear they are both Roman citizens. Injustice has occurred. The
magistrates apologise and ask Paul and Silas to leave. The two go first to
Lydia’s home then continue on their mission.
Collect for Morning Prayer
Canola in bloom Rutherglen Vic L Osburn |
Wednesday 10 August 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalm
94
The
psalmist calls people to remember that God does can and will act for the
righteous. We are all reminded that nothing is hidden from God who formed all
ears, all types of eyes. Will God not be able to see or hear what we are up to?
The psalmist writes that disciplined believers are blessed, that the Lord is
there for them and consoles. The Lord helps.
Lamentations 5
The last chapter of
Lamentations is a community prayer for restoration. The inheritance is in the
hands of strangers. Everyone is an orphan. Water and fuel has to be paid for.
Everyone is tired. There are trade agreements with great nations so that any
food is available. The rule comes by way of a slave of someone else…. but God
reigns forever. Restoration to a relationship with God is the beginning of
restoring the world.
Romans 9: 25 – 10: 4
Paul uses scripture to clarify that people who are not
Jews are to be God’s children and that not all Jews are heirs to God’s promise.
While Jewish people are commitment and faithful to God, some do so not on the
basis of faith, but by works. Whereas the new covenant means righteousness
comes from God by faith. For Christ provides God’s righteousness to all
believers. Seeking to fulfil the Law can only build that individual’s righteousness
– which can never be complete.
Collect for Evening Prayer
A level Greek coffee on the hearth Harrietville Vic L Osburn |
O great and
wonderful God, all repair and restoration of relationship comes from your
gracious gift of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Open our hearts. Strengthen
our faith. Keep us in strong relationship with you and with Jesus our Saviour,
redeemer and friend now and forever. Amen.
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