31 May 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 31 May 2014

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 59

The psalmist is being stalked so that he may be killed. Protection is requested but not the death of those who seek his life – just that they may be brought down and caught up in their own anger.

The psalmist will praise God’s provision of safety and his steadfast love.

Numbers 22: 21 – 40

Balaam the diviner from Mesopotamia goes with officials from the King of Moab, Balak. On the way an angel blocks the path three times and Balaam’s donkey, turns, shies or lies down. Each time Balaam hits the donkey. The donkey talks to him and defends its reputation. Then Balaam sees the angel. The angel tells Balaam off for striking the donkey and says that if he had not stopped Balaam would have been dead and the donkey freed. Balaam offers to return home. The angel tells him to continue to Balak and to do only what God instructs.

When Balaam arrives he honestly tells Balak that he can only say the words that God puts in his mouth. They go to the first location and start the first sacrifice.

John 15: 26 – 16: 11

Jesus tells the disciples that when the Spirit comes it will be a spirit of truth and that they are to testify about Jesus because they have been with him. He then tells them how hard things will be: they will be ejected from the synagogue and killed by religious people who believe they are doing God’s will.

It is, Jesus says, in our favour that he goes because unless he goes the Advocate, the Holy Spirit cannot come. The Holy Spirit will teach us that the world is wrong about sin, righteousness and judgement. Belief in Jesus corrects our understanding of sin. Jesus’s death, resurrection and ascension correct our understanding of righteousness and Jesus’s victory over death and sin corrects our understanding of judgement.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Maidenhair Fern in the Karri Forest WA
2014 L Osburn

God of protection, guidance and truth, you protect us from enemies, from ourselves, redeem us from sin and give us your spirit of truth. These gifts are generous beyond our understanding. Be with us now as we prepare for the day ahead and give us strength and courage to act in ways that honour you and your love for all, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saturday 31 May 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 58 and 79

In the first psalm the writer is truly angry about the actions of the wicked and wants their power to be removed and for them to just disappear – permanently! Things are so bad the psalmist wants a reward and vindication for the righteous now and for judgment to come to earth instantly.

Deuteronomy 29: 29 – 30: 20

If we remember what God has done, if we obey his commandments with all our heart and with all our soul then God will restore us and have compassion. No matter where we are on earth, God will gather us together. Our hearts will be changed so that our descendants will also love God. What we do will have positive results.

This is not too hard a quest – we don’t have to go to a distant land and come back with the prize – it is in our hearts and mouths and hands.

Love God, walk in his ways, observe his commandments and live. But if we turn away and serve idols we will perish. Choose life.

1 Corinthians 11: 2 – 16

Paul has a lengthy discussion of the pros and cons of wearing something on your head in public worship. There appears to be differing customs for men and women and competing positions on humbling oneself. He ends saying that there is no formal custom.

Collect for Evening Prayer

In the Karri Forest WA
2014 L Osburn

Realistic and practical God, you know the dreadful things humans can do and you know the deep frustration of witnessing us choose harmful paths and set up disputes instead of cleaning up our own hearts, minds and souls. We are deeply thankful that you have given us a way to you through your commandments and the saving grace of Jesus. At the end of this day bring us to you, be with us so that we may express our love for your with all our heart, all our mind and all our soul through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the your Holy Spirit. Amen.