4 May 2016
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily readings
Wednesday 4 May 2016
Morning Prayer
Psalms 11 and 12
The psalmist disputes the
claim one should run from enemies. The psalmist will stand firm. He says that
if the foundation collapses, then all are powerless. The psalmist trusts in the
Lord – the firm foundation.
The psalmist laments the
lack of faithful people. People make promises and are unreliable. The poor and
the needy suffer as a result but, the Lord is faithful forever and pure. The
Lord guards and protects us.
Numbers
21: 10 – 35
The
Israelites continue their journey and the text include quotes from ancient
poems. They ask permission to pass through other territory and are denied. But
those rulers send forces against the Israelites. The Israelites defeat them and
take possession of their lands and towns.
John
15: 1 – 11
Jesus
compares himself to a grapevine. He is the true vine and God the vine grower.
Like a vine grower God cuts off branches that bear no fruit and prunes the rest
so that the next harvest is full. We have been cleansed and are part of Jesus’s
vine. We need to stay connected to the rootstock to be able to bear fruit. A
branch removed cannot bear fruit – and usually gets thrown in a fire. We need to stay connected to Jesus.
If we
stay connected then our prayers will be answered, we will be disciples, bear
fruit and our lives will glorify God.
As
God loves Jesus so Jesus loves us. We are to continue to live in that love. As
Jesus loves God and keeps the commandments so we are to love Jesus. Jesus tells
us this so that we may experience his joy and that our joy will be complete.
Collect for Morning Prayer
In the vineyard Gasped Vic L Osburn |
Great producer of rich and sweet
fruit, you have given us your Son so that we can be grafted on to him and made
part of him to bear fruit for your glory wherever we are in this world. We know
that when we are grafted into your love we need fear nothing. Today guide us
and keep us in your love, help us make choices that obey your commandments so
that we may experience complete joy in you through Jesus Christ your Son our
Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
.
Wednesday 4 May 2016
Evening Prayer
Psalms 13 and 14
These psalms are laments
for personal deliverance from enemies, from harm and from a cynical age. The
psalmist remains faithful proclaiming God’s deliverance of Israel and care for
the poor.
Isaiah
63: 7 – 14
Isaiah
recounts what God has done for Israel and how she rebelled. He demonstrates
God’s steadfast love and direct presence with the people. God was right with
them. God led them, gave them rest and is glorified.
Colossians
2: 20 – 3: 4
Paul
challenges the Colossians asking if with Christ they are disconnected from
other powers why are living as if those powers have influence? Why are they
putting strictures on their behaviour: don’t handle, don’t taste don’t touch?
This self-imposed piety seems like a good idea but does not stop
self-indulgence.
If we
are raised in Christ then we are to focus on Christ not how we appear on the
earth. If we focus on Christ when he comes we will appear in glory.
Collect for Evening Prayer
How has your day been? Eyre Highway Nullabor SA L Osburn |
Our forever, magnificent and steadfast
God, you love us you came to us, taught us, led us and died for us. We give you
thanks and praise. This evening, as we reflect on this day and bring it to you,
may we do so gently and not critically, knowing that you are merciful, just and
forgiving, love us and want us to be with you through Jesus Christ your Son our
Lord and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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