24 April 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Friday 24 April
2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalms 130, 131 and 133
The first psalm is a lament and recognition of God’s
forgiveness and steadfast love. The second describes deep humility: a calmed
and quieted soul that waits in trust for the Lord. The third psalm rejoices in
family peace and harmony.
Exodus 23: 4 – 17
Some more commandments are listed here. If something
that belongs to our enemy is lost or in trouble we should help, and not delay.
We must uphold justice for all and not convict the innocent or people who are
in the right. We must not oppress resident aliens. We will have a sabbatical
year (every 7) and a Sabbath day. Three times a year we will have a festival to
God and one will be a harvest festival.
John 10: 19 – 30
Dispute rages in the community – is Christ mad, is he
a demon, is he holy? In winter in the temple he is asked directly to say
whether he is the Messiah. His answer is, I have told you and you don’t
believe: my works give evidence that I am God’s. He explains that they don’t
believe because they are not his sheep – they are following someone else.
Jesus’ followers will have eternal life and will be safe with God eternally. He
says, “The Father and I are one” (v.20).
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Decision point Brockton Highway WA 2014 L Osburn |
Holy Lord, you show us that humility, love, compassion and
openness are the keys to living with you and being part of your flock. Today,
help us to run every decision and every action through that test: are we
humble; is this loving; is this compassionate; and am I open, so that we in
that moment, make a deliberate choice to be your people through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Friday 24 April
2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalms 132 and 134
The first psalm is a reminder to God that David
promised to bring the Ark of the Covenant to a permanent dwelling in Jerusalem.
God indicates that if David’s offspring keep the commandments then the dynasty
will last.
The second psalm is a blessing. Come bless the Lord.
Lift up your hands and bless the Lord. May the Lord bless the earth.
Joshua 10: 1 – 11
The Treaty with the Gibeonites
becomes known and five Kings unite to attack Gibeon. The Gibeonites call to
Joshua for assistance. He comes with full force. The Lord says to Joshua, “Do
not fear them”. Joshua attacks suddenly. The battle is his. As the armies flee, a great hailstorm inflicts more casualties than the direct battle.
1 Corinthians 2: 12 – 3: 4
Paul says that those who receive the Holy Spirit
understand God’s gift and purpose for their lives. He is talking about a
spiritual wisdom not earthly wisdom. Those who do not have the Holy Spirit
cannot understand and think the gifts of God are foolish. They are not
concerned with accountability to God. Only through Christ can we know the mind
of God, no human can do it alone.
While we are harbouring jealousies
and quarrelling with one another, we are still people of the flesh – merely
human and not ready to learn the lessons of the spirit.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Kookaburra Nannup WA 2014 L Osburn |
Holy and almighty God of the challenge and the battle, you
offer us your presence in our hearts and greater might in the fight that
matters than even the great ancient warriors. Equip us and help us to obey your
commandments, to rid our lives of jealousies and quarrelling, to understand
your gifts to us, to grasp the purpose of our lives so that we are able to grow in
spiritual wisdom confident we have created a home for you in our hearts through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please leave a comment or feedback.
No comments:
Post a Comment