21 May 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 21 May 2014 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 50

The psalm describes God coming to judge the people. The sacrifice required is thanks and prayer not burnt offerings. Those who do evil yet speak the commandments will be judged. Those who give thanks will be saved.

Numbers 14: 26 – 45

After the Israelites’ complaints and fears about going to the Promised Land God decrees that no one over 20 years of age except Caleb and Joshua will be part of the fulfilled promise. Instead it will take 40 years before they could enter. All the scouts except Caleb and Joshua die from plague.

The people repented and decided they would do as they were told and go to the land. Moses warned them that God was not with them and that they were being disobedient again. Moses and the Ark of the Covenant stayed behind. The people who went up to the Promised Land were beaten and driven back.

John 12: 44 – 50

Jesus says that those who believe in him believe in God who sent him and those who have seen him have seen the Father. He has come to make things clear for those who believe and to save. If people do not believe, Jesus does not judge.

On the last day, Jesus’s word, given to him by God, will be the judge – eternal life.

Collect for Morning Prayer

A Flower Open - Jan and Graham's Garden.
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

Great and loving God, you want the best for us, eternal life and you ask for our thanks, humble and contrite hearts and faith in your steadfast love. Today open our hearts to listen and do your will so that others may see and open their hearts to you too through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wednesday 21 May  2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 119: 41 – 64

This section of the psalm reveals a faithful and disciplined believer who expresses trust and confidence in God through times of persecution. The psalmist asks for the word of truth to speak to those who taunt.

Exodus 33: 1 – 17

In this section it is clear there is the priestly tabernacle tent in the middle of the camp and a second tent at a distance called the meeting tent where Moses talks directly with God and Joshua is the caretaker.

God instructs Moses to start towards the Promised Land and that he will send an angel to accompany them but not be directly among them. Moses asks that God be with them and for it to be known that God is with them – distinct from other people – the people with God.

1 Corinthians 7: 36 – 40

Paul continues with his views on marriage. If a couple are engaged and strongly passionate they should marry. Otherwise it is better not to marry. When people are widowed re-marriage is acceptable but Paul thinks it is more blessed to stay single.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Heavy lifting and a guide*. Nullabor SA.
2014 L Osburn

Steadfast and eternal God, you are with us your people, every day and every step. We give you thanks and praise. As we reflect on our day, helps us see when you were with us – even though we may not have recognised it at the time – so that we have even more cause to give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen. 

* Is God doing some of the heavy lifting or the guiding, or both?