20 May 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Friday 20 May 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalm
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.
1
Chronicles 17
David
talks with Nathan the prophet with an idea to build a house for God – a place
where the Ark of the Covenant can rest. Nathan initially thinks that is a good
idea.
The
Lord speaks to Nathan. It is not David’s job to build the temple. It will be
one of his son’s who does it. David needs to be the king. For his faithfulness
God will establish David’s house and line.
David
gives humble thanks to God recognising this great gift and also recognising
that for God this is small. He recommits Israel to God.
Acts
3: 1 – 16
Peter
and John go to the temple. At the gate called Beautiful is a lame beggar who
asks for alms. Peter utters the famous words: ‘Silver and gold have I none, but
such as I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and
walk” (v. 6).
The
people in the temple hear about the miracle and flock. Peter tells them they
did not do this on their own – from their own piety but through the name of
Christ. God, the God of Abraham glorified Jesus who you crucified. “You killed
the Holy One, the Author of Life who God raised from the dead” (v.15). By
faith, through using Jesus’s name this man’s health is restored.
Collect for Morning Prayer
Wind vane Busselton Pier WA L Osburn |
Friday 20 May 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalm
49
This
is a riddle psalm / song.
Why
should we worry about persecutors, the wealthy? No one can live forever. The
wise and foolish die too. All possessions are left to others. Mortals can’t
abide all the pomp of life – we will die. Those who are pleased with their lot
will die. But God will ransom my soul and receive me.
Don’t
be afraid when someone becomes richer and they are happy in their life. They
and they ancestors will be gone. Mortals can’t abide all the pomp of life – we
will die.
Ruth
4
Boaz
in the city immediately meets the person who is Naomi’s direct next of kin. He
calls over 10 witnesses. He tells the story of Naomi and that her husband’s
property and Ruth the wife of one of his sons can be redeemed. The next of kin
cannot redeem the property without damaging his own inheritance so he tells
Boaz to acquire it for himself and they seal the deal. Boaz is blessed by the
witnesses returns, marries Ruth whose first son is Obed who becomes the father
of Jesse who is the father of David who becomes the king.
1
Corinthians 15: 51 – 58
Paul
says, we will not all die; we will be transformed. We will put on an
imperishable body. Sin is the thing that gives death any power and the law lets
us know our sins – so we feel guilt, that sting of death. But Jesus gives us
the victory over death so we can be steadfast in our faith and continue the
work of the Lord since it is not in vain.
Collect for Evening Prayer
Looking across the Indian Ocean Cape Leeuwin WA L Osburn |
Wonderful and generous God you have
redeemed us and given us a new and imperishable life in you. What joy is ours!
Our thanks and praise to you is eternal. Be with us now as we reflect on your
love for us so that we feel the freedom and the courage you bring to us through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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