16 May 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 16 May 2014 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 38

The psalmist is dreadfully ill, so much so that friends stand a bit further away and people who seek harm spread rumours. The psalmist stays quiet, trusting God, praying and asking for God’s salvation.

Numbers 11: 16 – 33

God hears Moses and tells him to gather seventy elders and God says he would transfer some of the spirit he gave to Moses to them so that they can carry some of the burden of the care of the people. God promises to send meat – more than enough. Moses questions God whether there are enough animals and fish for this number of people. God answers with a question, is God’s power limited?

When the spirit is transferred people begin to prophecy. A storm comes up and brings quail that falls about a days walk from camp. People collected the quail to eat – then there was a plague.

John 11: 55 – 12: 8

Passover is approaching and the people at the temple are wondering whether Jesus will come, knowing that orders are out to report his location so that he can be arrested. Jesus is still in Bethany with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Mary takes costly perfume and anoints Jesus’s feet and wipes them with her hair. Judas thinks it is a waste of something expensive that could be used to feed the poor.

Jesus rejects the criticism and instead says that Mary had bought it for Jesus’s burial and is using it now. Jesus indicates that he will not be with them much longer.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Old Telegraph Station Eucla WA
2014 L Osburn

Loving Father you are present in all change and transitions in our lives: illness, leadership, change in food, and preparation for death.  Be with us in all our activities today, especially where we confront change or transition so that we can meet the change and adapt ourselves to work for your praise and glory through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday 16 May April 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 39

The psalmist is mortally ill and perceives his illness to be punishment from God. He decides to be calm and quiet in the presence of people who would bring him more grief. He asks to know how much time he has left. Humans are like passing guests, aliens. The psalmist asks for a little relief so that he can smile before he dies.

Exodus 29: 38 – 30: 8 (9 – 10)

In this section are the instructions for sacrifices, the building of the altar, the curtain before the Ark of the Covenant, the use of incense and lamplight.

1 Corinthians 6: 12 – 20

Paul continues saying that while it might be lawful to do certain things, not all the lawful things are good for us and we should not become dominated by them. He uses sexual activity outside wedlock as the example.

The better example is anyone united to the Lord becomes one with the Lord. Take the Lord in and treat your body like a place where God lives. The Holy Spirit is in you. You are the temple. And you are not your own any more. You were bought with the price of Christ’s crucifixion therefore glorify God within you.

Collect for Evening Prayer

A Crossroad WA 2014 L Osburn

Holy God you love us and want to be in close relationship with us. In ancient times preparing your temple took care, precision and time. Your Holy Spirit is in us and works through us. Help us each and every day to make the choices in our lives that strengthen, sustain and preserve your Holy Spirit in us so that we are fully able to do your will and bring glory to you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.