9 May 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 9 May 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 22: 1 – 22

This portion of the psalm is a solemn prayer for deliverance from a dreadful illness. It is an illness that has detractors circling the psalmist. The psalmist feels alone and separated from God but is reminded of all the times God was there in the past for the Israelites. The psalmist is humble, asks to be saved not just from the illness but also from any temptation.

Numbers 22: 41 – 23: 12

The next day Balak (king of Moab) takes Balaam (diviner from Mesopotamia) to a place where they can see the nation of Israel. Balaam has seven altars for sacrifice constructed and orders that a ram and bull be sacrificed on each. He stands to the side hoping to hear God’s word.

God tells him to return to Balak and say the words God instructs. He does so and the words are a blessing for the nation of Israel and praise for their uprightness. Balak is angry because he brought Balaam here to curse Israel not to bless them. Balaam replies that he must honour the words God has given him to say.

John 16: 12 – 24

Jesus tells the disciples that the Spirit of truth will come and guide them. The Spirit will glorify Jesus and declare Jesus and God’s understanding. He tells them too that he will go away and not be seen, then be seen again. The disciples are puzzled so he explains. When Jesus goes the disciples will weep and the world will rejoice. But when he returns the joy will overcome the grief (just like when a baby arrives the mother forgets the pain of delivery). If the disciples ask anything of Jesus it will be given. “Ask and you shall receive so your joy may be complete” (v.24).

Collect for Morning Prayer

Morning flower
Di's Garden Mandurah WA L Osburn

 God of joy and eternal blessings you love your people through every age and are steadfast in your care. Keep our minds on you and the grace and blessings you have given us so that we may move from grief and pain to joy and assist others to do the same and glorify you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

Monday 9 May 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 22: 23 – 32 and 23

The second section of the psalm, calls for all people who respect and honour God to praise him, glorify him and stand in awe of him! God has delivered the psalmist from deadly illness and this evidence shows that all God’s promises are secure. The Lord rules in all places and future generations will continue God’s praise.

This is the well-known 23^rd Psalm. The Lord is compared to a shepherd who makes sure the sheep are well pastured, have clean water, are at peace and have nothing to fear. God makes us holy (anoints us) and gives us good things our whole life long.

Deuteronomy 31: 1 – 15

Moses is now 120 years old and knows he will not go into the Promised Land with the people. He asks the people to be bold, courageous and trust God. He calls Joshua and gives him charge of the nation and their progress. Finally he sets up a ceremony every seven years when the Festival of the Booths occurs when the whole of the law and the covenant is to be read to the people. Moses and Joshua go to the tent of meeting and God appears in a pillar of cloud at the entrance.

1 Corinthians 11: 17 – 34

Paul corrects the Corinthians on how they are conducting the meetings they have together when they share a meal. Some people arrive early and eat and drink a lot leaving little for others. Some only eat their own food and do not share. He asks them to think about the purpose and meaning of their actions. He asks them to avoid divisions and factions.

He recalls the Last Supper where Christ broke the bread and shared it – his body. Christ shared the cup – the new covenant in his blood. When we eat and drink together it is in remembrance of Christ and his death for us.

Paul asks them to examine themselves and be aware of the whole body of Christ – the rest of the members of the church. We are to reflect on what we are doing and discipline ourselves. When we come together, we wait for the others before starting. If we are too hungry to wait we can have something to eat at home before we come so that when we are together we can share.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Bon Accord Track
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

Gentle guiding saviour you provide us with ways and laws and leaders so that we can support each other, care for each other and build our nations and communities. You lead us if we follow to a place of peace and freedom from fear and want. As we reflect on today, help us see whether we were mindful of others and their needs and whether, we obeyed your commandments so that we may self-correct, and consistently demonstrate your generosity and grace setting the foundations for ourselves and others to sing your praises through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord and the your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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