20August 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 20 August 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 114 and 115

First, the psalmist recalls the exodus and crossing of the sea and the Jordan: that the natural world moved and changed to suit God’s purpose. The second psalm starts praising God for faithful and constant expression of love. The psalmist ridicules the idol-makers who like their idols may have the physical senses (eyes, ears, noses…) but make no use of them. God is contrasted as a sensing and active presence worthy to be trusted. The psalmist blesses the hearer of the psalm.

2 Chronicles 31: 17 – 32:8

Throughout Judah Hezekiah ensures the Levite families are provided for and supported. Judah prospers. King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah. Hezekiah encourages the people, builds walls and towers and strategically blocks the water flow from the spring in Jerusalem out to the surrounding land.

Acts 20: 17 – 38

Paul stops his journey in Miletus and calls the elders of the church in Ephesus to meet him there. He summarises his ministry and indicates that he will not return, that death awaits him though he does not know where. He warns them of persecution and betrayal to come. He commissions them to be overseers, to shepherd the church. He asks them to be diligent and remember his own modelling – he worked day and night commending God to the people, to bring the message of God’s grace and to build people up. He paid his own way by working so that he too supported the weak and is blessed to do so.

Together they kneel, pray grieve and go with Paul back to his ship.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The Supports
Sue's Bridge Blackwood River WA
L Osburn

God of truth and reality, you tell us through history and scripture and your faithful apostles that hard and challenging times will come where we may be overwhelmed by enemies and surrounded by great invading forces. You also provide us with hope, faith, defence and you restore us. Be with us now in times of strife. Help us to be diligent in proclaiming your word, to bring the news of your grace to others and to build them up in faith and hope and love so that all may be supported and strengthened in their love for you through Jesus Christ our Lord and redeemer. Amen.

Saturday 20 August 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 116 and 117

The first psalm gives thanks to God for healing. Even when he is profoundly depressed the psalmist trusts in God. The second psalm is a global call to praise God.

Tobit 1: 1 - 20

Tobit tells of his life of faith and charity even when taken into exile and placed in the service of Sennacherib. He tells too of being a fugitive after he was found to have buried the bodies of Jewish people killed by Sennacherib.

Romans 14: 1 – 12

Paul says we are to welcome those who are weak in spirit and not to judge them. If they believe they should abstain certain foods or practices we need to respect them especially of they are focused on God. We must not judge them or despise them. If we live, we live to God and if we die, we die to God so there is no need to be worried about the differences in diet or dogma. Judgement is the Lord’s and before God we will all bow and give praise.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Reflections on the bridge supports
Sue's Bridge Blackwood River WA
L Osburn

God of blessing and compassion, you have given us this beautiful world to delight in and people with whom to share it. Be with us now as we reflect of our day. Show us the times where we were generous, where we supported and preserved others and encouraged them in their faith and practice so that we too can, by your grace, be strengthened and supported in bringing glory and honour to you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen

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