24 August 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 24 August 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 130, 131 and 133

The first psalm is a lament and recognition of God’s forgiveness and steadfast love. The second describes deep humility: a calmed and quieted soul that waits in trust for the Lord. The third psalm rejoices in family peace and harmony.

2 Chronicles 33: 1 – 20

The reign of Manasseh begins when he is 12 with faithlessness and defilement of the temple. Manasseh’s early rule encourages all manner of corrupt behaviour. The Assyrians come and take him captive. While in exile he prays for forgiveness, is restored and begins a clean up, secures an outer wall and makes appropriate sacrifices. He dies after 55 years of rule and is succeeded by his son Amon.

Acts 21: 27 – 39

Paul goes to the temple. Jews from Asia who know of him misrepresent what he teaches and claim that he has brought Greeks into the temple. The crowd riots, the temple’s doors are closed, the tribune hears and sends in the troops. The crowd makes no sense in their accusations so the soldiers remove Paul and to do so they have to carry him. At the barracks they establish that he is not an Egyptian who formed a group of assassins. Paul tells them his identity and asks to speak to the crowd.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Communication, radar, location - on the fishing boat
Fremantle Harbour WA  L Osburn

Holy and almighty God, you are with us when our worldview is challenged; you are with us when we walk away full of pride think we can challenge you; you are with us when we are calm and our families are at peace. You are with us always. Be with us today, guide all our thoughts, words and actions so that we may be part of your better world, builders of your kingdom of love and grace through Jesus Christ our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Wednesday 24 August 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 132 and 134

The first psalm is a reminder to God that David promised to bring the Ark of the Covenant to a permanent dwelling in Jerusalem. God indicates that if David’s offspring keep the commandments then the dynasty will last.

The second psalm is a blessing. Come bless the Lord. Lift up your hands and bless the Lord. May the Lord bless the earth.

Tobit 5

Tobias, Tobit’s son, questions how will Gabael know to trust him with Tobit’s wealth. Tobit explains that half of the bond is with Tobit and the other half with the wealth so the documents can be compared. Tobit instructs Tobias to find a travelling partner who knows the way. The first young person Tobias encounters is the angel Raphael but no-one knows he is an angel. The angel not only knows the way he is also a kinsman and knows Gabael’s house. Tobias introduces the angel to Tobit. Tobit questions his identity and family lineage. The angel calls himself Azariah son of Hananiah as Tobit knows the family he is reassured. Wages for the journey are set. Tobias mother grieves the loss of her son and Tobit tells her not to worry, “a good angel will accompany him on his journey” (v. 22).

Romans 15: 14 – 21

Paul writes that he has confidence in the Romans and that he has written to them boldly in places just to remind them of some points of belief and practice. He wants their worship to be acceptable to God. Paul talks of what Christ has accomplished through him in word, deed, and the power of signs and wonders. His mission has been to those who have never heard of Christ and fulfils a prophecy of Isaiah. This has delayed him visiting Rome.

Collect for Evening Prayer

The Boardwalk
Gladstone Harbour Qld
L Osburn

Confidence building God you give us teachers, guides, companions, apostles and your own Son so that we may overcome all challenges and keep to the pathway that leads to your door. Help us to reflect on today and the numerous ways you have reminded and supported us so that we, seeing your grace may live in faithfulness and joy in the days ahead through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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