9 May 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 9 May 2014 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 22: 1 – 22

This portion of the psalm is a solemn prayer for deliverance from a dreadful illness. It is an illness that has detractors circling the psalmist. The psalmist feels alone and separated from God but is reminded of all the times God was there in the past for the Israelites. The psalmist is humble, asks to be saved not just from the illness but also from any temptation.

Leviticus 26: 3 – 20

The consequences for following God’s commandments are spelt out: there will be good results from labour, strong defence of the community, adequate food, the presence of God and the absence of oppression.

The consequences of not God’s commandments are:  terror, fever that brings blindness, wasting disease, no outcome for labour, separation from God, no defence against enemies, oppression and fear.

John 10: 19 – 30

Dispute rages in the community – is Christ mad, is he a demon, is he holy? In winter in the temple he is asked directly to say whether he is the Messiah. His answer is, I have told you and you don’t believe: my works give evidence that I am God’s. He explains that they don’t believe because they are not his sheep – they are following someone else. Jesus’ followers will have eternal life and will be safe with God eternally. He says, “The Father and I are one” (v.20).

Collect for Morning Prayer

Aftermath of Bushfire near Denmark WA
2014 L Osburn

Almighty God compassionate Lord, you desire the best for us. You have given us your commandments. You have come to dwell with us and to give us a pathway to restoration and redemption. Be with us today, guide us, and keep us safe from all temptation. Help us make the moment-by-moment choices and decisions that will show that we love you and are committed to do your will through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday 9 May April 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 22: 23 – 32 and 23

The second section of the psalm, calls for all people who respect and honour God to praise him, glorify him and stand in awe of him! God has delivered the psalmist from deadly illness and this evidence shows that all God’s promises are secure. The Lord rules in all places and future generations will continue God’s praise.

This is the well-known 23^rd Psalm. The Lord is compared to a shepherd who makes sure the sheep are well pastured, have clean water, are at peace and have nothing to fear. God makes us holy (anoints us) and gives us good things our whole life long.

Exodus 23: 4 – 17

Some more commandments are listed here. If something that belongs to our enemy is lost or in trouble we should help, and not delay. We must uphold justice for all and not convict the innocent or people who are in the right. We must not oppress resident aliens. We will have a sabbatical year (every 7) and a Sabbath day. Three times a year we will have a festival to God and one will be a harvest festival.

1 Corinthians 2: 12 – 3: 4

Paul says that those who receive the Holy Spirit understand God’s gift and purpose for their lives. He is talking about a spiritual wisdom not earthly wisdom. Those who do not have the Holy Spirit cannot understand and think the gifts of God are foolish. They are not concerned with accountability to God. Only through Christ can we know the mind of God, no human can do it alone.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Great Red Tingle Tree
(tallest species of eucalyptus in Australia)
"If the sapling can see sky is reaches for it"
Walpole WA Valley of the Giants
2014 L Osburn

Holy God, your mercy and care for us are beyond comprehension. Through your Holy Spirit in our hearts, guide us to those green pastures and clear waters of your grace. Keep us following your instructions, made for the safety of our essential being so that we are the people who respect and honour you and so that we are the people who praise and glorify you forever through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.