21 August 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Sunday 21 August 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 72

This psalm asks that the King be blessed. Justice, righteousness, prosperity for the people and production, defence of the poor and deliverance for the needy and oppressed, are requested. May the king live long and be gentle. Peace, dominion, abundance, compassion are all in this appeal. The psalm ends praising and Blessing God who makes all thing possible.

Hebrews 12: 12 – 19

The writer compares being a Christian to being someone in a race who is tired and lame. We need to care for each other, and to stick with the prize at the end of the race and not give it up for a short-term need – like Esau gave up his birth right for a bowl of food. Later although in tears he was not blessed.

We are approaching something that cannot be touched it is like: a blazing fire, a tempest, a gloom or a trumpet sound or a voice that hearers beg will cease speaking about them.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Cycling or heavy hauling - its across a continent
The Eyre Highway SA
L Osburn

O God you alone make all things possible and you want us to care for each other. You know that seeking justice, peace, prosperity for all, deliverance for the needy and oppressed, and defence of the poor are worthy. We are to keep going though tired and lame praising you. Strengthen us to stay the course and not go for the fast fix or quick relief. Remind us that the real reward is intangible and is with you in those holy places and holy moments made available to us through the power of your Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Sunday 21 August 2016

Evening Prayer

Jeremiah 1: 11 – 19

God checks what Jeremiah can see – a branch of an almond tree. Then God sends the first vision of a boiling pot tipping away from the north. God explains that turmoil is about to be poured on the land from the north. Jeremiah is to stand up and tell the nations what God commands him to say and God promises personal fortification and protection for Jeremiah in this task.

Psalm 103: 1 – 8

“Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is in me bless his holy name” (v.1).  The psalm recounts the gifts of God to us as individuals: forgiveness, healing, and redemption, crowning us with steadfast love and satisfying us with good things. God’s history of justice and mercy and compassion are listed.

Luke 13: 18 – 30

Jesus has just healed a woman on the Sabbath. This small act and the presence of God that it reveals, is juxtaposed with the mustard seed and the yeast: something little that makes a big change.

In response to a question about who will be saved, Jesus says that the opportunity is there for everyone. It is a demanding path that requires more than a causal interest in Jesus and heaven is available to all. That offer is still open, even after his death. Some of the first people will be last and the last first.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Windmill water pump
Armadale WA
L Osburn

Great Lord of love, healing, forgiveness and redemption you strengthen us. Help us stand for you today. Check our vision and fortify us so that we may engage fully with the demands of being your people in this world knowing that what we are doing is making heaven accessible and available to all through the power of your Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Please leave a comment or feedback.