1 May 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 1 May 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalms 1 and 2

People who set themselves apart from all the turmoil of the world, who contemplate God, and God’s laws are like trees with good soil and water that bear fruit, don’t wither but prosper. The wicked are like chaff – an empty hull – they will not be with God at the end.

A rhetorical psalm asking why some people think they can break the bond between God and his anointed one (messiah). The psalmist thinks it is laughable. God is all-powerful and the anointed one is his begotten son. God’s power could be used to punish and correct. Let humans be warned to respect God. Those that take refuge in the Lord will be happy.

Exodus 29: 38 – 30: 8 (9 – 10)

In this section are the instructions for sacrifices, the building of the altar, the curtain before the Ark of the Covenant, the use of incense and lamplight.

John 11: 55 – 12: 8

Passover is approaching and the people at the temple are wondering whether Jesus will come, knowing that orders are out to report his location so that he can be arrested. Jesus is still in Bethany with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Mary takes costly perfume and anoints Jesus’s feet and wipes them with her hair. Judas thinks it is a waste of something expensive that could be used to feed the poor.

Jesus rejects the criticism and instead says that Mary has bought it for Jesus’s burial and is using it now. Jesus indicates that he will not be with them much longer.

Collect for Morning Prayer

bee in pink gum blossom
Milawa Vic 2015 L Osburn

God of calm and focus, you show us that spending time with you, away from the bustle of life brings personal growth and flourishing. Help us find ways to worship you in individual devotion in groups so that we may be with you today and at the end through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday 1 May 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 3 and 4

People who say that faith in God is pointless surround the psalmist. Yet the psalmist prays and the prayers are answered; sleeps and is sustained by God. There is no fear and the psalmist leaves any reprisals to God.

The psalmist begins by acknowledging God’s grace and comfort in the past and asks for prayers to be answered. The psalmist guides us: when we are upset, we are not to do the wrong thing but take time, ponder what is going on, put aside our self and put our trust in God. If we want a sign from God, the psalmist recounts that through prayer and right sacrifice the happiness and peace experienced are the real signs of God’s presence.

Joshua 24: 1 - 15

Joshua tells the people the whole history of God’s relationship, connection, and action since the time of Abraham. He challenges them to serve the Lord but if they are unwilling to serve God Joshua lets it be known his family will serve God.

1 Corinthians 6: 12 – 20

Paul continues saying that while it might be lawful to do certain things, not all the lawful things are good for us and we should not become dominated by them. He uses sexual activity outside wedlock as the example.

The better example is anyone united to the Lord becomes one with the Lord. Take the Lord in and treat your body like a place where God lives. The Holy Spirit is in you. You are the temple. And you are not your own any more. You were bought with the price of Christ’s crucifixion therefore glorify God within you.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Autumn vines
Milo Vic 2015 L Osburn

Holy Lord, your spirit is with us as your active engagement was with the ancient people. Guide us to take time to bring our concerns and cares to you. Remind us that our commitment to relationship with you is not skin deep but who we are with you in the core of our being through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.