11 May 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 11 May 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 28 and 29

In the first psalm, the there is an appeal to not be like people who don’t believe and / or those who are deceitful. The psalmist changes focus and reminds us how big and powerful God is who saves and shepherds the people forever.

The next psalm picks up this theme on the almighty power of God just by whose voice water, forests, mountains and fire dance or whirl. The Lord’s power brings people confidence and peace.

Numbers 24: 1 – 11

Balaam, the diviner, knew that it pleased God to bless Israel and so instead of looking for omens as was his practice he looks at the wilderness and the nation of Israel and blesses them and prophesies. Balak, king of Moab, is angry, tells Balaam to go home and denies him his fee for his service.

John 17: 6 – 19

Jesus prays and asks God to protect the disciples – not to protect them so much that they are taken from the world – but to be with them. Jesus states that he has passed on to the disciples the things God wanted them to know, they believe. Only Judas Iscariot was lost and that was prophesied. Jesus says all these things out loud so that the disciples can be joyful. Jesus asks that the disciples be sanctified in truth.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Eggplant seedling - growing boldly
Mulwala Vic  L Osbun

God of blessings and truth and promise you work through all manner of people: a fearful king who calls a diviner who blesses your people and a disciple who betrays so that your glory can be revealed and we can be redeemed. Be with us today, no matter what occurs or whom we meet. Keep us in the knowledge that you are with us and that you are the great Lord who can turn a crucifixion into a triumph so that we can go boldly into this world you love and live out our faith through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Wednesday 11 May 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 30 and 32

The first psalm is of praise and thanksgiving for healing and prayers answered.

The second psalm begins telling us how happy are those whose sins are forgiven. The psalmist recounts how he was unwell and until he acknowledged his sins and confessed. Healing began. He encourages all to offer prayer when distressed and warns us not to be stubborn about it.  Steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.

Deuteronomy 32: 10 – 22

Moses continues his song to the people. He tells of all the blessings and protections from God and how they like a well-fed animal rebelled and worshipped all sorts of other gods. He reminds them of God’s wrath.

1 Corinthians 12: 14 – 31

Paul continues using the metaphor of the church as a body. Just like he body has different parts so we all have different positions and roles and just because we do not do something someone else does, it does not make us less a part of the whole. He goes further. In our own bodies, we cover and give more respect and care to the parts we think are less honourable. Not everyone has all the gifts. Not everyone speaks in tongues or heals or teaches or does miracles. We are to respect our contributions and the contributions of all and honour everyone, especially ‘the least of us”, remembering that if one part of the body suffers the whole body suffers.

Collect for Evening Prayer

A huge jade bush
Mulwala Vic L Osbur

God of blessings and of grace we thank you for all you give us and for each other, great and small, strong and weak. Be with us now as we reflect on today and the gifts and contributions we have received from others in the faith and give thanks for your work through them so that we are always aware that you sustain us all together in unity through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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