29 May 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 29 May 2014 Ascension Day

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 97

This psalm praises the might and power and righteousness of God. Idols are nothing. Our Lord loves us, guards us and rescues us. Joy fills our hearts. Rejoice.

Daniel 7: 9 – 14

This is Daniel’s description of God in a vision. God is seated on the throne of judgement and then a person approaches and is presented to God. To this one is given dominion, glory and kingship of all peoples in all nations in an everlasting dominion.

John 14: 12 – 29

Jesus says those who believe will do greater things than him because he is going to the Father. However, if we ask in Jesus’s name he will do what we ask so that God can be glorified through him.

If we love Christ we will receive the Advocate, the spirit of truth. Jesus tells the disciples that he is leaving and going to the Father and that he is alive and in the disciples and they in him. God will love those who keep Jesus’s commandments and Jesus will be revealed to them. God with Christ will make their home in them.

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit will teach us and remind us what Jesus said. Jesus gives his peace and reassures the disciples “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (v. 27). If the disciples loved Jesus they would rejoice that he is going to the Father.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Morning on the River Sue's Bridge WA
2014 L Osburn

Magnificent God, describing your greatness is impossible. We thank you for your Son and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Make your home in our hearts and may your glory and honour be the outcome of all our thoughts, words, actions and non-actions today through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thursday 29 May 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 47

The second psalm is a joyous song of praise beginning with clapping our hands. Our God is an awesome king of everything, shielding us. He is to be exalted.

2 Kings 2: 1 – 15

On Elijah’s last day he goes to various towns and as he starts to he next he tells Elisha to wait. Elisha insists he will accompany Elijah. Prophets in each town tell Elisha that Elijah will be taken to heaven this day and he acknowledges that and stays with Elijah.

They come to the Jordan River. Elijah takes off his mantle, rolls it, strikes the water, it parts and the two cross over. Elisha asks for a double share of Elijah’s spirit. He will know it is granted if he sees Elijah’s ascension. He does. He mourns and returns with Elijah’s mantle through the Jordan as before. The prophets who were watching bow before him.

Revelation 5: 1 – 10

This is a vision of a sealed scroll being held by God and the question, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seal?” (v.2). The vision shows a slain lamb, the Christ. All the heavenly hosts sing glorious praise and elders fall down and worship.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Evening in Esperance WA
2014 L Osburn

Awesome God, you have raised your Son to your glory and all we can do is bow down and sing your praise. We thank you for this day and your presence in our hearts. Be with us now in the quiet of the day to ponder your greatness so that we can, in this stillness give you praise and honour through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the your Holy Spirit. Amen.