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.