Monday 1 August 2016

2 August 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 2 August 2016
Morning Prayer

Psalm 77

The psalmist is deeply distressed, not sleeping at night, feels alienated from God and wonders whether God has gone. He decides to remember all the blessings of the past and the evidence of God’s enduring protection. He ceases moaning and instead gives thanks.

Hosea 7: 8 – 16

The Northern Kingdom is unfaithful to God and seeks alliances with Egypt. Hosea states that in God’s view they are silly like a wheeling dove – directionless. They know they are doing the wrong thing and fail to turn back to God.

John 11: 17 – 37

Jesus arrives at Martha and Mary’s home in the aftermath of Lazarus’s death. Martha greets him and declares her faith that Jesus could have healed him and that Lazarus will rise again on the last day. Jesus proclaims that he is the resurrection and the life. She declares her firm belief that he is the Messiah.

Martha goes to Mary who comes out to meet Jesus. The Jews, who are mourning with her, follow her. Mary kneels at Jesus’s feet and also declares that he could have healed Lazarus. Jesus weeps.

The crowd says that if Jesus could give a blind man sight he could have healed Lazarus.


Collect for Morning Prayer

Along the way beside the crystal stream
Bon Accord track and the Ovens River
Harrietville Vic   L Osburn
God of compassion, who grieves over us, you alone are the source of our strength; you alone are our source of refreshment. When we stay on the journey with you we have direction and purpose. Help us to kneel at your feet in thanks and praise so that we remain aware of your grace and love for us all and in all times through Jesus Christ or Lord. Amen.







Tuesday 2 August 2016
Evening Prayer

Psalm 78: 1 – 15

The psalmist encourages people to tell the stories of God and the caring relationship with the people to their children, in parables, the old sayings, the history, decrees and miracles so that they will not be stubborn or rebellious.

Lamentations 1: 11b – 22

God has abandoned Zion. The city is desolate, there is no food, all is destruction, and strength sapping sorrow. The writer recognises the rebellion of the people. There is weeping and no comfort from any source. The section ends with a plea that the enemy have the same experience.

Romans 7: 13 – 25

Paul talks about the Law saying that it is spiritual and that all people may be willing to do what is right but we cannot – we are in fact slaves to sin – no matter how hard we try. If we do things that we do not want to do, it is sin doing it. So, delight in the Law – it keeps us aware of our sins. Who will rescue us from this state: God through Jesus Christ our Lord.


Collect for Evening Prayer

There' s something comforting about gumboots
Bright Vic  L  Osburn
Saviour God, you have rescued us by grace, through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord and redeemer. None of us can escape sin except through your love, peace and forgiveness. Be with us now as we bring our lives to you. Clear away all our failings and rebellion and wrap your love around us so that we your faithful ones may be energised to tell our children and grandchildren all the great news of your abiding care for us through Jesus Christ and your Holy Spirit alive in us. Amen.

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