5 August 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Friday 5 August 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalms 82 and 84
The first psalm sets a scene
of God judging all the other Gods. They lack knowledge or compassion. They will
be destroyed. The psalmist petitions God alone to judge the earth.
A day living in the presence
of God is better than anything imaginable. A journey to God’s dwelling place is
filled with refreshment: “they go from strength to strength” (v. 7).
Hosea
10: 1 – 12 (13 – 15)
Hosea
states that in Canaan as Israel flourishes so it builds altars to other gods.
They dishonour agreements and contracts and litigation is everywhere. But the
idols and false kings will be carried off or perish. If they repent, are
genuine and sow righteousness then the Lord can come. But they have sown
wickedness and the crop will be destruction.
John
12: 12 – 36a
Jesus
rides into the town on a young donkey colt. This fulfils the scriptures. People wave palm branches and shout Hosanna.
The Pharisees see that the people believe in Jesus and that nothing can be done
to stop it.
Some
Greeks ask to talk with Jesus. Jesus tells them what is to come and through his
death on the cross, the ruler of the world will be defeated, God will be
glorified and people everywhere will be drawn to God.
The
people cannot understand so he says to them that he is a light, it is with them
a little while, they are to walk with him now, to stay in the light and they
will become children of light.
Collect for Morning Prayer
Walking in the light Beside the Blackwood River WA L Osburn |
Friday 5 August 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalms 85 and 87
The first psalm reminds us all
of God’s forgiveness and historical evidence of restoring people of faith. The
psalmist asks for quiet to listen to God who will speak peace to the faithful
and give salvation. “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness
and peace will kiss each other” (v.10).
The second psalm is of praise
for Zion, the mother city of believers everywhere. It is the basis for the hymn
“Glorious things of you are spoken, Zion city of our God.”
Lamentations
3: 1 – 33
In this
section an individual laments hardship as a result of perceived punishment - of
God’s wrath. But the writer reminds himself that God’s steadfast loves and
mercies are forever and freshly given every morning. Those who wait in silence
for the salvation of the Lord are rewarded and being humbled early in life is a
good lesson. God doesn’t afflict people with grief. God has compassion
“according to the abundance of his steadfast love” (v. 32).
Romans
8: 18 – 27
We live
lives that include suffering and decay. We hold out hope in release to eternal
life. Hope is not hope if we see that hope delivered. Hope is hope because the
thing hoped for cannot be seen. We wait patiently.
And the
spirit within us intercedes with God even when we cannot find the words to
pray. Our spirit intercedes in sighs too deep for words.
Collect for Evening Prayer
Peace Blackwood River WA L Osburn |
God of eternal love and mercy you
have lived as one of us in this challenging world. You know oppression, grief,
heartache, torture and cruelty. Hear the wordless sighs of your spirit in us. Open
our ears to hear you speak peace and break open our hearts to receive your
salvation. So that we have courage to work for a better world, grace to
recognise your gift of redemption and salvation for all, to experience your
love and mercy every day and to share our hope in you through Jesus Christ,
Amen.
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