23 May 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 23 May 2016

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.

1 Chronicles 21: 1 – 17

David demands a census be taken of the people. Joab disagrees and partially obeys – he does not count the descendants of Benjamin or Levi. God was unhappy and offers David a choice of punishments – he chooses a plague. 70,000 people are estimated to have died at the hand of the destroying angel. Jerusalem is spared.

Acts 4: 5 – 22

Peter and John are before the High Priest Annas and Caiaphas and others. When asked by what power and by what name did they heal the man they proclaim the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, crucified and resurrected. They quote scripture (Psalm 118:22). The priests and officials recognise that these are uneducated people who were companions of Jesus and they recognise the healed man. They consult and then order Peter and John to be silent about Jesus.

Peter and John say they cannot stop listening to God and saying what God tells them to say. The officials threaten them but there is no way to punish them since the people are praising God for the miracle, so they release them.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Maidenhair fern in the forest floor
Beedelup National Park WA  L Osburn

Holy and faithful God you have cared for us all through the ages. We, even your faithful ones slip and fall and we want to count how effective we have been, to measure how great we are or to control situations instead of remembering that you are the one who releases us, frees us and heals us. Be with us today. Keep us humble and help us to remember that only by your grace and your love are we redeemed and equipped to do your will through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Monday 23 May 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 55: 13 – 15 (16 – 17) 18 – 28

The psalmist’s enemy is a close friend. It is harder to bear treachery from someone close. The friend has tricked another and done great harm. God will hear and respond. Lay our burdens on God. God’s is the punishment not ours. Trust God.

Deuteronomy 7: (1 – 6) and 7 – 26

The Israelites on arrival in the new land are promised victory. They are also warned to not allow themselves or future generations to fall prey to idols and other Gods. They are therefore to destroy everything and not pillage artefacts.

God loves. Israel is loved not because the nation is great or the people wonderful, indeed they are tiny and have been a challenge. The people need to set up their arrangements to ensure they continue to love God and God alone.

1 Corinthians 16: 1 – 12

Paul discusses administrative matters: when he plans to visit and for how long, that Timothy will visit, and that Apollos cannot come at the moment. He reminds them to systematically put money aside for the poor believers in Jerusalem and when he comes he will give them letters so that they can send someone to Jerusalem with the gift.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Suspension bridge
Beedelup National Park WA  L Osburn

Gracious Lord you hear us, love us, and fulfil your promises to us. When things are tough in our relationships, changes and new beginnings in our lives or the hard work of administration and planning, be with us. Help us to get through times when we are tricked and harmed. Help us when we need to exercise control and help us to manage and plan well so that we learn to lay our burdens on you, to love you only and to trust that you will given us the words, forms or processes we need through Jesus Christ our saviour redeemer and friend. Amen.

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