23 August 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 23 August 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 124, 125 and 126

If it had not been for the Lord the enemy forces would have attacked and overwhelmed us like a flood. Blessed be the Lord. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Those who trust in God shall never be moved. God will surround and support us. The psalmist prays for blessing on the faithful and that evil be kept away from us.

When we are restored we are full of joy and praise and others notice that our God has done great things for us. So we ask to be restored, that those in tears reap joy and those who weep and sow seeds come back with an abundant harvest.

2 Chronicles 32: 24 – 33:

Hezekiah becomes unwell, prays is given a sign but is too proud to respond. Once Hezekiah repents his pride he heals. Envoys come from Babylon to ask about what happened to Sennacherib’s army. This is a test for Hezekiah and his heart. More of Hezekiah is written in other books of the Bible. When he dies he is mourned by all and buried on the ascent to the tombs of David in Jerusalem.

Acts 21: 15 – 26

Paul and the Christian Greeks come to Jerusalem. Paul sees James and the elders and tells them all that has occurred. They tell him the distortions of his work that have reached Jerusalem. Together they agree that Paul and the Greeks will undertake a temporary rite of purification – shaving their heads – so that the Jews know they obey the Law. James and the elders say that the Gentiles who are believers are no to eat anything that has been sacrificed to an idol, that is strangled nor are they to engage in fornication.  Paul and the men shave, purify themselves and go to the temple thus making public the completion of their purification and preparation for a sacrifice for them.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Kookaburra still in the dawn light
Blackwood River WA
L Osburn

Holy and faithful God, the only sacrifice you want from us is humility before you and contrition. Praise and thanksgiving, will as a result leap from within us. At the start of this day help us take this moment to be still before you, to feel your greatness and compassion so that we may praise you deeply from our hearts through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday 23 August 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 127, 128 and 129

Unless the Lord is with us in what we do, our labour is in vain. Rising early, working late and being anxious about things are not part of God’s plan.

Those who walk with God are blessed to have the freedom to eat our own produce, prosperity sufficient for women to be creative and children to flourish. It is a blessing to see our grandchildren.

God has preserved us from all assaults in the past. The psalmist asks that those who are enemies of God not prevail.

Tobit 4

Tobit blind, gives his son Tobias thorough and comprehensive instructions for life then charges him with the task of going to Gabael at Rages in Media to retrieve his hidden wealth.

Romans 15: 1 – 13

Paul charges Christians to put up with the failings of the weak. Christ came and not only put up with us but suffered all insults. What was written in scripture is there to instruct Jews and all nations, to encourage us and make us steadfast. Paul prays that God will encourage us to live in harmony with each other. We are to welcome each other so that as the scriptures say, all nations will confess God and sing God’s praise. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (v. 13).

Collect for Evening Prayer

Looks can deceive: great fishing spot
Lake Mulwala NSW  L Osburn

Steadfast and encouraging God, you lead us through scripture, wise and faithful parents and through the example of Christ. With your apostle Paul we ask you, God of hope, to fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

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