23 May 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Saturday 23
May 2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalms 54 and 55 1 – 12
The first psalm is a plea to be saved from enemies, a
statement of faith and a promise to give a free will offering to God once the
psalmist is triumphant.
The second psalm portion is another plea for aid
against enemies. The psalmist fears for his life and wants to run away. There
is trouble around the city walls and the psalmist asks that the enemies plans
be confused.
Deuteronomy 5: 1 – 21
Moses gathers the people and tells them that God’s
commandments were given to them. Not to some ancient people but to those alive
now. They were present. They made Moses stand between the Lord and them out of
fear. He recites for them the Ten Commandments charging them to remember and to
keep them all.
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
 |
| Ceduna SA 2014 L Osburn |
Saturday 23
May April 2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalms 48
This psalm praises Mt Zion City of God its walls and
grandeur. Moreover, it is the place where God can be found and kings
approaching fall and fail once they recognise God dwells here. In the temple
the people ponder God’s steadfast love and praise God’s name throughout the
earth. The psalmist tells us to come to the holy city, walk around; go into the
citadels so that we can tell our children and their children that this God, our
God will be our guide forever.
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
 |
| Denmark 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.
Please leave a comment or feedback.
No comments:
Post a Comment