13 May 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 13 May 2015 

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 35: 1 – 17

This section of the psalm asks for God to contend with personal enemies: those who fight, who devise evil, who ensnare, who are malicious witnesses, who repay good for evil and, who mock. The psalmist asks, “say to my soul ‘I am your salvation’ ” (v.3).

Exodus 40: 17 – 38

Moses sets up the tabernacle and all the things in it precisely. A cloud settles over the tabernacle indicating God’s presence with the people. While the cloud rests the people stop and when it lifts they travel. At night the cloud glows with fire.

John 15: 1 – 11

Jesus compares himself to a grapevine. He is the true vine and God the vine grower. Like a vine grower God cuts off branches that bear no fruit and prunes the rest so that the next harvest is full. We have been cleansed and are part of Jesus’s vine. We need to stay connected to the rootstock to be able to bear fruit. A branch removed cannot bear fruit – and usually gets thrown in a fire.  We need to stay connected to Jesus.

If we stay connected then our prayers will be answered, we will be disciples, bear fruit and our lives will glorify God.

As God loves Jesus so Jesus loves us. We are to continue to live in that love. As Jesus loves God and keeps the commandments so we are to love Jesus. Jesus tells us this so that we may experience his joy and that our joy will be complete.

Collect for Morning Prayer

"A well-connected bunch"
Gapsted Vic 2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord you are our grounding, our root stock our salvation and our rest. Be with us this day. Keep us connected with you so that no matter what we encounter our souls feel your salvation. May we respond with ease and produce loving and fruitful outcomes to your glory through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Wednesday 13 May April 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 99

This psalm uses the theme God is king. God is a just ruler and steadfastly supports those who follow the commandments. God responds to wrongdoing. It is right to tremble at great greatness and awesomeness of God.

Isaiah 63: 7 - 14

Isaiah recounts what God has done for Israel and how she rebelled. He demonstrates God’s steadfast love and direct presence with the people. God was right with them. God led them, gave them rest and is glorified.

Colossians 2: 20 – 3: 4

Paul challenges the Colossians asking if with Christ they are disconnected from other powers why are living as if those powers have influence? Why are they putting strictures on their behaviour: don’t handle, don’t taste don’t touch? This self-imposed piety seems like a good idea but does not stop self-indulgence.

If we are raised in Christ then we are to focus on Christ not how we appear on the earth. If we focus on Christ when he comes we will appear in glory.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Boats at rest
Gladstone Qld 2015 L Osburn

Our forever, magnificent and steadfast God, you came to us, taught us, led us and died for us. We give you thanks and praise. This evening, as we reflect on this day and bring it to you may we do so gently knowing that you are merciful, just and forgiving, love us and want us to be with you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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