14 May 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Saturday 14 May 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalm 34
This is a psalm of
thanksgiving and praise and one that teaches people to love and fear the Lord,
to avoid evil and to seek peace. The psalmist teaches, “the Lord redeems the
life of his servants” (v22).
Numbers
36
The
leaders of Manasseh son of Joseph tribe come to Moses and argue for a change in
the law related to women who inherit property (Numbers 27: 1 – 11). They tell
Moses that if the woman marries then her property becomes the property of the
other tribal group and at the Jubilee (every 49 years) it will still remain the
property of the new tribe.
Moses
makes an amendment to the law that an heiress must marry within the tribe so
that property does not exchange. The five women affected marry within their tribe.
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
 |
| The bridge Fishing Fleet Fremantle Harbour WA L Osburn |
Saturday 14 May 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalm 119: 17 – 40
In this section of the
psalm is the plea to be taught and to be shown how to live out the commandments
daily and how to read and understand scripture. There is a plea for protection
against ridicule or harm by others because of our desire to be with and know
God.
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
 |
| Cascade of autumn leaves Milawa Vic 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