2 June 2014
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Monday 2
June 2014
Morning
Prayer
Psalm 77
The psalmist is deeply distressed, not sleeping at
night, feels alienated from God and wonders whether God has gone. He decides to
remember all the blessings of the past and the evidence of God’s enduring
protection. He ceases moaning and instead gives thanks.
Numbers 22: 41 – 23: 12
The next day Balak (king of Moab) takes Balaam
(diviner from Mesopotamia) to a place where they can see the nation of Israel.
Balaam has seven altars for sacrifice constructed and orders that a ram and
bull be sacrificed on each. He stands to the side hoping to hear God’s word.
God tells him to return to Balak and say the words God
instructs. He does so and the words are a blessing for the nation of Israel and
praise for their uprightness. Balak is angry because he brought Balaam here to
curse Israel not to bless them. Balaam replies that he must honour the words
God has given him to say.
John 16: 12 – 24
Jesus tells the disciples that the Spirit of truth
will come and guide them. The Spirit will glorify Jesus and declare Jesus and
God’s understanding. He tells them too that he will go away and not be seen,
then be seen again. The disciples are puzzled so he explains. When Jesus goes
the disciples will weep and the world will rejoice. But when he returns the joy
will overcome the grief (just like when a baby arrives the mother forgets the
pain of delivery). If the disciples ask anything of Jesus it will be given.
“Ask and you shall receive so your joy may be complete” (v.24).
Collect for
Morning Prayer
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| Allow the little children to come to me. New Norcia benedictine Community WA |
Monday 2
June 2014
Evening
Prayer
Psalm 78: 1 – 15
The psalmist encourages people to tell the stories of
God and his relationship with the people to their children, in parables, the
old sayings, the history, decrees and miracles so that they will not be
stubborn or rebellious.
Deuteronomy 31: 1 – 15
Moses is now 120 years old and knows he will not go
into the Promised Land with the people. He asks the people to be bold,
courageous and trust God. He calls Joshua and gives him charge of the nation
and their progress. Finally he sets up a ceremony every seven years during the
Festival of the Booths when the whole of the law and the covenant is to
be read to the people. Moses and Joshua go to the tent of meeting and God
appears in a pillar of cloud at the entrance.
1 Corinthians 11: 17 – 34
Paul corrects the Corinthians on how they are
conducting the meetings they have together when they share a meal. Some people
arrive early and eat and drink a lot leaving little for others. Some only eat
their own food and do not share. He asks them to think about the purpose and
meaning of their actions. He asks them to avoid divisions and factions.
He recalls the Last Supper where Christ broke the
bread and shared it – his body. Christ shared the cup – the new covenant in his
blood. When we eat and drink together it is in remembrance of Christ and his
death for us.
Paul asks them to examine themselves and be aware of
the whole body of Christ – the rest of the members of the church. We are to
reflect on what we are doing and discipline ourselves. When we come together,
we wait for the others before starting. If we are too hungry to wait we can
have something to eat at home before we come so that when we are together we
can share.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
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| Pathway Albany WA |
Gentle
guiding saviour, you provide us with ways and laws and leaders so that we can
support each other, care for each other and build our nations and communities.
As we reflect on today, help us see whether we were mindful of others and their
needs and whether we obeyed your commandments so that we may self-correct, and
consistently demonstrate your generosity and grace through Jesus Christ your
Son our Lord and the your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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