5 May 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 6 May 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalm 18: 1 – 31

David exuberantly praises the Lord for saving him from death at the hands of his enemies. The images used are like a volcanic eruption. David is ecstatic with what he can do with God’s help. He rejoices utterly in God, the only God: our God.

“This God – God’s way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true” (v.30).

Exodus 32: 15 – 35

Moses returns with Joshua from the mountain, with him are the commandments written by God’s hand in the tablets. Once they see the people in revelry round an idol Moses breaks the tablets. He questions Aaron on how the idol worship occurred. Moses calls for volunteers who are on the side of God. The sons of Levi come to him, he tells them to arm and go through the camp and kill the unfaithful Israelites. They kill about 3,000.

The next day Moses tells the people what they did wrong and says he will try to intercede with God. Moses offers himself. The Lord tells Moses to lead the people forward and that God will deliver the punishment. They go forward and the people are struck by a plague.

John 12: 44 – 50

Jesus says that those who believe in him believe in God who sent him and those who have seen him have seen the Father. He has come to make things clear for those who believe and to save. If people do not believe, Jesus does not judge.

On the last day, Jesus’s word, given to him by God, will be the judge – eternal life.

Collect for Morning Prayer

In the face of the coming storm
Mulwala NSW 2015 L Osburn

Almighty God you control all the elements, all the forces seen and unseen and through Christ death itself, are overcome. Your way is perfect and your promises are true. Strengthen and support us to stand on your side even when our family and community oppose you. Help us, to be like Jesus: to tell them what we believe and what we know of you in faith and love leaving all judgement to you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday 6 May 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 18: 32 – 38 (39-44) 45 - 52

David continues his great psalm of praise for deliverance from enemies and as the warrior king he had to be. David describes his supremacy in the battle. He is more subdued at the end, blessing God, extoling God’s name, praising God for his steadfast love and care.

Judges 4

Again after the Judge Ehud dies the Israelites revert to worshipping other gods. King Jabin of Canaan rules and his commander is Sisera.

Deborah, a prophetess is the judge for Israel. She calls Barak and tells him that God has instructed him to take 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. He asks Deborah to come too. She agrees and tells him that Sisera will fall by the hand of a woman.

The battle begins and the Lord is with Barak. Sisera and his troops panic and flee. Sisera flees to the tent of Jael whose family are descendants of Moses’ father-in-law. Jael hides him under a rug, gives him milk to drink and while he sleeps, kills him.

When Barak arrives, Jael leads him to where Sisera lies. The Israelites begin to prevail over King Jabin.

1 Corinthians 7: 36 – 40

Paul continues with his views on marriage. If a couple are engaged and strongly passionate they should marry. Otherwise it is better not to marry. When people are widowed re-marriage is acceptable but Paul thinks it is more blessed to stay single.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Stole for a new deacon
Gladstone Qld 2015 L Osburn

Holy Lord you know the realities of life, of wars and enemies, servitude and strife. You know too that we are people of passion. Keep us open to your will. Prepare us for the tasks that lie before us. Be with us during the struggles and keep us open to the possibility that any of us, may be the one who makes the difference so that we all contribute to the coming of your peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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