3 May 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 3 May 2014 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 9

This psalm is a song of thanks and praise for the demise of past enemies and the eternal presence of God. The Lord is the security for oppressed people and that means individuals too. The psalmist moves to a prayer for individual help. The psalm ends asking God to “let the nations know that they are only human” (v.20).

Leviticus 19: 23 – 37

This is a series of commandments about ethical behaviour. There are instructions about: animal breeding, sowing of seed in fields, sexual relations with someone who is the slave of another, care of food trees, dietary rules, no occult practices, hair dressing, clothing and no cutting of skin or tattoos. Parents are to make sure their daughters are not prostitutes. The Sabbath is to be kept and the sanctuary respected. We are to get up in the morning before the elder family members and defer to them. We are not to oppress the aliens in our land for Israel was once an alien people in Egypt. All weights and measures need to be accurate.

Luke 24: 36 – 53

Luke tells of Jesus appearing with the disciples, showing his wounds and asking for something to eat. He helps them understand what they had witnessed. He promises them that they would be clothed in power from on high and when they receive it, they may leave the city.

They all go to Bethany. Jesus blesses them, withdraws and is carried up to heaven. They worship him, return to Jerusalem, go to the temple and continually bless God.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Tiny lizard protected by its camouflage. Head of the Bight
SA 2014 L Osburn

 Holy and almighty God, you are always concerned for our well-being and that we do nothing that harms our bodies, the land, other people or reduces our capacity to have a direct relationship with you. Instead you sent your Son to redeem us from sin. You came to us. Help us take this in. Help us understand and appreciate the wonders of your love so that we are energised and determined to pass this love to others for your glory through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saturday 3 May April 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 10

The psalm begins describing how arrogant wicked people are: how they think God does not see them and that they can get away with anything. But God does see. God will hear the meek and give them strength and provide justice for the orphan and oppressed so that people on earth will “strike terror no more” (v.18).

Exodus 18: 19 – 27

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law watches Moses and says, “Now listen to me. I will give you counsel and God be with you!” (v.19). Jethro proposes that to avoid burn-out, Moses delegates the judging of cases and teaching the law in a structured manner in the community. Moses followed Jethro’s advice. Jethro returns home.

1 Peter 5

The writer instructs the elders of the church to tend the people and have oversight of junior members and be examples for them and humble in dealing with them. The younger members are to accept the authority of the elders and deal humbly with each other. 

We are to be humble before God and give God all our anxieties. We are to be alert to temptation that creeps like a lion and resist. God will restore, strengthen us and support us through all the difficult times.

Collect for Evening Prayer

The Great Australian Bight
SA 2014 L Osburn

Compassionate God from the earliest times you have helped leaders work to bring justice and knowledge to your people and to support us as we resist temptation. We thank you. We bring to you this night the work of our week, the times we did not give you our anxieties and, the times we did not seek out a mentor or did not delegate, or ask for help. Be with us loving God as we reflect on this week. Restore and strengthen us so that we can begin refreshed and open to your care through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.