7 June 2014
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Saturday 7
June 2014
Morning
Prayer
Psalm 90
This is a group lament. There is a separation from God
and a plea that there be as many days connected to God as there have been
separation. The psalmist asks for God’s compassion on the people and that the
work of human hands may prosper.
Numbers 36
The leaders of Manasseh son of Joseph tribe come to
Moses and argue for a change in the law related to women who inherit property
(Numbers 27: 1 – 11). They tell Moses that if the woman marries then her
property becomes the property of the other tribal group and at the Jubilee
(every 49 years) it will still remain the property of the new tribe.
Moses makes an amendment to the law that an heiress
must marry within the tribe so that property does not exchange. The five women
affected marry within their tribe.
Acts 1: 15 – 26
Peter speaks to the gathered believers (about 120
people) and tells them what happened to Judas Iscariot and that his position in
the disciples needs to be filled. Two names are chosen Joseph (aka Barsabbas or
Justus) and Matthias. Prayers are offered to God who knows everyone’s heart to
choose. Then they cast lots and Matthias gains the position.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Tree Top Walk Walpole WA 2104 E Byford |
Empowering
and encouraging God, you have made us in your likeness and given us the power
to reason, make decisions, review previous decisions and organise ourselves.
You have made us co-creators with you. Be with us this day as we make
decisions, plan, and review. Give us courage and strength to argue for changes
if they are needed so that we, your body, can effectively bring your kingdom
and your glory into every part of the world through Jesus Christ your Son our
Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.
At the summit Walpole WA 2104 E Byford |
Saturday 7 June
2014
Evening
Prayer
Psalm 48
This psalm elevates Jerusalem and the temple into
Zion, the city of God. The language is all symbolism to gather the people to
look at the city and the temple through the eyes of faith. It is the centre of
our world and belief, the highest mountain to which we go. It is where God
resides and all other rulers and gods can do is quake in fear. Its defences are
sure based in God’s steadfast love, universal praise and judgement.
We are encouraged to take a walk around this city and
consider all its features so that we can tell future generations how great is
our God.
Numbers 11: 16 – 17 and 24 – 30
God hears Moses when he is feeling burnt-out by the
pressures of leadership and tells him to gather 70 elders. God says he will
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.
When the spirit is transferred people began to
prophecy. Two who are among the registered 70 are not at the tent of meeting
but stay in the camp. The spirit also comes on them and they prophesy too
(though only once). A young man runs to
Moses with this news. Joshua is shocked and wants Moses to stop the two in the
camp. Moses says that he doesn’t own the gift of prophecy and that it would be
great if everyone were a prophet.
1 Corinthians 14: 13 – 25
Paul continues his discussion on speaking in tongues.
If we have the gift of speaking in tongues it is good to ask also for the gift
of interpretation. Paul can speak in tongues and he makes sure he also speaks
so that others can understand. We might pray deeply and spiritually but if no
one can understand us they cannot say the Amen.
Paul asks the Corinthians to be like babies to evil
but in matters of the spirit to be grown-up and use their minds too. If the
church is speaking in tongues and an outsider arrives they may think everyone
is disturbed and go away. If however, the church is prophesying a newcomer’s
heart will be uncovered and that person will recognise that God is with the
people and worship God.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Pennant flag in the breeze Cape Le Grand National Park WA 2014 L Osburn |
Holy and
almighty God, you want our lives to be full of faith, joy and close to you. We
thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit and the wonderful ways we can give
you thanks and praise and spread the knowledge of your wondrous love. As we
reflect on today, help us see how we used our gifts, to enable others to see
that you are real, that you are with us and so feel that pull of grace to
worship you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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