20 June 2014
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Friday 20
June 2014
Morning
Prayer
Psalms 114 and 115
First, the psalmist recalls the exodus and crossing of
the sea and the Jordan: that the natural world moved and changed to suit God’s
purpose. The second psalm starts praising God for faithful and constant
expression of love. The psalmist ridicules the idol-makers who like their idols
may have the physical senses (eyes, ears, noses…) but make no use of them. God
is contrasted as a sensing and active presence worthy to be trusted. The
psalmist blesses the hearer of the psalm.
1 Chronicles 28: 20 – 29: 9
David continues telling the leaders of the people
about the arrangements for the building of the temple. He acknowledges Solomon’s
youth and inexperience and sets out the organisational chart and protocols for
the priests, the artisans and the volunteers. He gives more detail about the
materials and how much he personally is giving for the temple’s construction.
He asks for other free will donations and the leaders are abundantly generous.
Everyone rejoices.
Acts 5: 27 – 42
The apostles are brought before the chief priest and
council. The high priest reminded them of their orders not to preach which they
disobeyed. Peter proclaims Christ crucified and exalted so that Israel might be
forgiven her sins and given the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The council becomes angry and wants the apostles
killed. Gamaliel, a teacher of the law orders that the apostles be taken from
the room so that council can talk candidly. He reminds council of other groups
who rose up and after time failed and were dispersed. He recommends nothing be
done because if it is from man’s ambition it will fail, and if it is from God
the high priest and council would find themselves fighting God.
The apostles are flogged and released. They rejoice
because their ministry is making a difference, they are happy to suffer for the
sake of Jesus. “And every day thereafter they did not cease to teach and
proclaim Jesus as the Messiah” (v. 42).
Collect for
Morning Prayer
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| Sculpture of a Fisher Fremantle Harbour WA 2014 L Osburn |
Praise to
you great and holy Lord, you can make miraculous changes in the physical word,
inspire people to create, to be courageous and generous, and you build and
sustain us as teachers and preachers for your people. Be with us today in all
we do. Help us to see the positive differences we are making in your world so
that we too may be sustained and nurtured through Jesus Christ your son and our
redeemer. Amen.
Friday 20 June 2014
Evening
Prayer
Psalms 116 and 117
The first psalm gives thanks to God for healing. Even
when he is profoundly depressed the psalmist trusts in God. The second psalm is
a global call to praise God.
Deuteronomy 10: 10 – 11: 12
Moses continues his address to the people before they begin
to enter The Promised Land. The people are to love and serve the Lord with all
their heart and soul and keep the commandments. Do not be stubborn; God can’t
be bribed. God is just and cares for widows, orphans and strangers. God is the
only one to worship. Remember all of God’s great deeds and be faithful and
loyal to God.
2 Corinthians 1: 23 – 2: 11
Paul talks about an earlier visit he had to Corinth
where an individual in the community caused offence and pain. But for Paul, the
real offence is caused to the community in Corinth. Pauls urges the Corinthians
to forgive, console and reaffirm their love for the person.
Anyone the community forgives, Paul forgives too and
does so in the name of Christ for the sake of the community.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
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| Di and Gordon's Joyous Garden Mandurah WA 2014 L Osburn |
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