13 August 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Saturday 13 August 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalms 101; 102: 1-11
The first psalm is a
statement of commitment to justice and to work hard to live a righteous life.
The portion of the second psalm is a lament. The psalmist is unwell and in
great pain unable to eat or sleep and tormented by others who suggest God has
deserted him.
2 Chronicles 28: 1 – 15
King Ahaz reigns for 16 years
in Judah. He is not faithful to God. His kingdom is invaded by Aram. The people
are taken to Damascus. Then Israel invades, kills thousands, takes booty and
begins to take the people to Samaria but other God-fearing Israelites argue
that Israel as a nation is already guilty and at risk of punishment from God.
The prisoners are reclothed, their belonging returned and they are escorted to
Jericho.
Acts 17: 22 – 34
Paul addresses the Areopagus.
He notes the Greeks are a religious people and tells them he saw the altar to
the unknown God. He proclaims this God, the creator who made one ancestor from
whom all humans come. God fashioned humans to seek God and to find God. In God
we have our being. Greek poetry acknowledges that we are God’s offspring. God
is not stuff and does not need stuff. God realises we are not informed and wants
us to repent. Paul proclaims that Christ, the resurrected one will be our
judge. Some scoff when Paul speaks of the resurrection; others believe. The
council agrees they wish to hear more from him.
Collect for Morning Prayer
Crimson Rosellas Harrietville Vic L Osburn |
Saturday 13 August 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalm 102: 12-28
This second portion of
the lament turns into a hymn of prayer and praise to God. God will look after
us; hears our prayers and is eternal.
Song of Songs 3
The woman dreams about searching for her love and
finding him. She again warns women everywhere not to awaken love until it is
ready. She then describes Solomon the King on a litter coming out of the
desert. There is a wonderful perfume and the opulence of his carriage and
guard. She calls women to come and see Solomon crowned by his mother as on his
wedding day.
Romans
11: 1 – 12
Paul appeals to all to offer
themselves as a living sacrifice to God – to worship by being transformed and
renewed. We are to be consistent in our love and honour for each other, to be
joyful in our hope, patient in our suffering, pray consistently, be generous
and hospitable and to bless our enemies.
Collect for Evening Prayer
Old bark peels off new smooth bark is revealed Tawonga Gap Road Vic L Osburn |
Holy and mighty Lord, greater than any king, give us
the will and zeal to seek you continually by prayers, openness to you, joy,
patience and generosity. Help us to look forward to being transformed and
renewed by you so that in all our days and all we do, we worship you through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen
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