23 May 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 23 May 2014 

Morning Prayer   

Psalms 54 and 55: 1 – 12

The first psalm is a plea to be saved from enemies, a statement of faith and a promise to give a free will offering to God once he is triumphant.

The second psalm portion is another plea for aid against enemies. The psalmist fears for his life and wants to run away. There is trouble around the city walls and the psalmist asks that the enemies plans be confused.

Numbers 16: 20 – 40

God instructs Moses and Aaron to step aside from the group of people who have offered censers of incense – who wanted to be priests. Both appeal to God not to be angry with everyone. God tells Moses to warn people to step away from the dwelling tents of the men who also challenged his leadership.

The earth opens up and only the dwelling tents of the challengers fell in and were covered. Then fire destroys the 250 men with their incense censers. Only those of the family of Aaron are permitted to offer incense before God.

John 13: 12 – 20

Jesus explains the foot-washing to the disciples. If their Lord washes their feet so too they should serve each other. No one is greater than the master, and here the master serves all. No messenger is greater than the person who sent the message. If we follow this example we will be blessed.

Jesus predicts the betrayal so they know he knew. He also says those who accept the people Jesus sends are accepting Jesus and they are accepting God.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Water from the gentle windmill
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

Great and gracious God you sent your Son to save us, to reveal you and show us the way. Jesus did not flee from enemies and though your son he humbled himself, washed the feet of his disciples and modelled service. Instead of sacrificing after victory he was the sacrifice and gained victory eternal. Today give us courage to serve and grace to be humble so that the rewards are yours and the glory goes to you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday 23 May  2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 55: 13 – 15 (16 – 17) 18 – 28

The psalmist’s enemy is a close friend. It is harder to bear treachery from someone close. The friend has tricked another and done great harm. God will hear and respond. Lay our burdens on God. God’s is the punishment not ours. Trust God.

Exodus 34: 11 – 24 (25 – 26)

God promises to give the Israelites victory over the people in the land He promised. But all the idols and gods and symbols of worship must be destroyed and no covenants shall be made with the inhabitants for them to keep their beliefs. Intermarriage will occur and the Israelites will be encouraged to break the commandment not to worship other gods if the original communities keep their gods and idols.

Then follows rules for festivals and sacrifices.

1 Corinthians 9: 1 – 14

Paul explains that apostles have the right to receive some of the material benefits from the faith communities that are being served and built. He does not and never has claimed these – he always supported his own ministry expenses. He draws on scripture: we are not to muzzle an ox while it is treading out grain. Surely if God cares for animals the same applies to apostles. He goes on to indicate that those serving at the temple are fed from the sacrifices. He asks who pays the military? Those who tend flocks get a portion of the milk.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Stone wall with gaps.
Albany WA 2014  L Osburn

Holy and loving God, your scriptures and stories of your people of faith show us that from time to time we need to be firm and ensure we set up the conditions to obey your commandments and to enable fair treatment of all. This night help us to review the decisions we made today and check that we have not done something that is unfair, oppressive or leads others to be tempted so that we can make new choices that build the strength and resilience of your people for your glory through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.