20 May 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 20 May 2014 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 48

This psalm is a celebration of Jerusalem, as the City of God made grand, awesome and terrifying by the obvious presence of God.

Numbers 13: 30 – 14: 25

The 12 scouts report a land rich in produce, fortified cities and towns and giant people. Caleb encourages the people to go ahead and trust God’s promise. The people rebel and want to go back to Egypt. Moses, Aaron, Caleb and Joshua throw themselves of the ground and tear their clothing in frustration and grief. God is angry. Moses speaks with God and entreats God to forgive the people.  God’s only action is to promise that those who witnessed the miracles of the exodus and in the desert would not get to the Promised Land except Caleb – and by extension Joshua who supported Caleb.

John 12: 34 – 43

Jesus tells people how he will die. They question him because the Messiah will remain forever. Jesus asks them to stay with the light, the faith they have. He withdraws. The writer of the gospel draws on ancient scripture about how people’s eyes and hearts are blinded at times for a purpose. The writer then states that many people, even people of authority believed in Jesus but were too afraid to speak out lest they be ejected from the synagogue. He says, “for they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God” (v. 43).

Collect for Morning Prayer

The Indigenous Families Along the River
All Members of New Norcia Benedictine Community
WA 2014 L Osburn

Supremely generous God, your gifts are so great and your power beyond our understanding. Please help us to embrace your glory, to not fear and not worry about how others see us. Strengthen us to trust you and be confident in our faith and in you no matter the threats real or perceived, so that we may be your faithful witnesses and do your work to glorify you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tuesday 20 May  2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 49

This psalm uses a riddle to teach wisdom. Everyone dies the rich and the poor. Wealth is nice. Seeking wealth can take our focus from God. God will ransom the souls of the faithful.

Exodus 32: 15 – 35

Moses returns with Joshua from the mountain, with him are the commandments written by God’s hand in the tablets. Once they see the people in revelry round an idol Moses breaks the tablets. He questions Aaron on how the idol worship occurred. Moses calls for volunteers who are on the side of God. The sons of Levi come to him, he tells them to arm and go through the camp and kill the unfaithful Israelites. They kill about 3,000.

The next day Moses tells the people what they did wrong and says he will try to intercede with God. Moses offers himself. The Lord tells Moses to lead the people forward and that God will deliver the punishment. They go forward and the people are struck by a plague.

1 Corinthians 7: 25 – 35

Paul wants the people to have fewer anxieties and cares. If unmarried it is easier to focus on God and matters of the spirit. If married we must care about our spouses and the world. There is more pressure.

He counsels preparation for the second coming: for the people to focus on God not possessions, grief, joy or worldly engagement.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Reflections Under Sue's Bridge
WA 2014 L Osburn

Almighty and ever living God you love us and care for us. You know we have busy, demanding lives with many distractions. Be with is now as we reflect on our day and focus on your presence, your actions, your grace and your love we experienced today so that we may be renewed and refreshed to love and serve you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and your Holy Spirit. Amen.