14 August 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Sunday 14 August 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalm 81
The psalm begins with praise
and thanksgiving. It moves on to remembering the gifts of God and how God saved
and delivered the people. Finally there is a lament that the people’s hearts
are hard, that they are not listening and until they do, they will be besieged.
God wants to feed us with fine things. The choice is left open.
Hebrews 12: 1 – 13
Since we have had all the
examples of faithful people from the time of Abel, they are like a crowd
cheering us on to persevere in our own race. We look to the finish line: to
Jesus and to the joy that comes from his presence. When things get tough we
should consider how tough they were for Christ. If God disciplines us, treat it
as training, as preparation for the parts of the race still to come. Discipline
always is uncomfortable but the joy of achievement outweighs that discomfort.
Therefore lift up from
drooping and feeling weak. Hop back of the straight path so that what seemed
lame is able to heal.
Collect for Morning Prayer
A great crowd - like a city Brisbane Qld L Osburn |
God of the greatest challenge you know
we work in environments where even the hearts of some of the faithful are hard.
But you have set up a great arena of souls cheering us on so that we can run
this marathon and finish strong in faith and hope and love and dignity for all.
We praise you and thank you. Help us also cheer each other on so that all
athletes for you are encouraged and supported especially when their arms and
knees are weary and weak through Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour and the
power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sunday 14 August 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalm 82
This psalm sets a scene of God
judging all the other Gods. They lack knowledge or compassion. They will be
destroyed. The psalmist petitions God alone to judge the earth.
Isaiah 5: 16 – 24
God is exalted by justice and
is shown in righteousness. Those who live with sin, who mock God, who call evil
good and prefer darkness to light and call bitter sweet, are good at partying
and giving bribes are only wise in their own eyes and shrewd in their own
estimations. They have despised the word of God and will amount to ash.
Luke 13: 1 – 9
Jesus talks about people who
suffered violent and sudden deaths. He encourages people to repent. He then
tells the parable of the fig tree. If it is not bearing fruit it needs to be
ripped out but the caring gardener will nurture it one more season, if it
fruits it will remain in the garden.
Collect for Evening Prayer
Small fig tree Armadale WA L Osburn |
God of justice, righteousness and
compassion you want us to bear fruit and be with you eternally. Open our eyes
to what sin, mocking, deceit and corruption really are – chasing and seeking
other gods and powers – pointless. Bring us to repentance for our personal
pride and our lapses of compassion so that we blossom, flourish and bear fruit
for your glory and your purposes all our days through Jesus Christ our saviour.
Amen
Holy God
through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
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