22 November 2014
Collects
Prayers developed from the daily
readings
Saturday 22 November 2014
Morning Prayer
Psalm 51
The psalmist asks for God’s mercy for sins to be
forgiven, transgressions blotted out. The psalmist admits that the sin was
against God alone and God’s judgement is justified. Since God desires truth,
the psalmist asks to be taught wisdom in his secret heart. The psalmist wants
to experience joy and gladness again since his whole being is crushed in
recognition of his sin. “Create in me a new heart, O God and put a right spirit
within me” (v.10).
Zechariah 13
In Zechariah’s oracle on the day the people look on
the one who they have pierced and mourn a fountain shall be opened for the
house of David and the people of Jerusalem to cleanse themselves from sin and
impurity. Idols will be removed and parents will recognise false prophets among
their children and cut them off. The other prophets, recognising they are
wrong, will till soil and when asked about their wounds they will say my
friends did this for me. The Lord
will divide the people two-thirds shall be cut off and perish, one third will
be refined in fire, tested, and God will say, “They are my people” and they
will answer, “The Lord is our God”.
Mark 1: 14 – 28
After John the Baptist is arrested Jesus begins his
public ministry saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come
near; repent and believe in the good news” (v.15). He engages fishermen to come
and fish for people: Simon, Andrew, James and John. In Capernaum he teaches in
the synagogue as one with authority. He rebukes an unclean spirit in a man and
it obeys him. The people are astounded. His fame spreads.
Collect for Morning Prayer
Sculpture Fremantle Harbour WA 2014 L Osburn |
Holy Lord,
you are merciful and gracious. Be with us now as we repent our sins – the ones
we know about and the ones to which we are still blind. Create in us new hearts
with the right spirit able to discern your truth and be part of the coming of
your kingdom through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.
Saturday 22 November 2014
Evening Prayer
Psalms 52 and 53
In the first psalm a person who trusts riches and
seeks refuge in wealth and who is mischievous and plots destruction is warned
that God will respond. In comparison those who trust in God are like a green
olive tree, trusting in the steadfast love of God and praising God.
Wisdom 7: 21 – 8: 4
The characteristics of wisdom are listed. “In every
generation she passes into holy souls and makes them friends of God” (v.27).
Against wisdom, evil does not prevail. Wisdom is an initiate in the knowledge of
God and an associate in God’s works.
Revelation 10
The seventh angel is wrapped in a cloud with a rainbow
over the head. The angel has a face like the sun and legs that are like pillars
of fire. One foot is set on land and one on the sea. The angel shouts and John
is not permitted to write the words. There will be no more delay. When the
seventh angel’s trumpet sounds the mystery of God will be revealed. John is
instructed to take the little scroll held by the angel and eat it. It is sweet
as honey but has a bitter after-effect. Then John is told to prophesy again
about many peoples, languages and kings.
Collect for Evening Prayer
Fishing Fleet Fremantle Harbour WA 2014 L Osburn |
Holy God you are indeed mysterious and awesome. Be with us now as we
reflect on our day and recognise the times we trusted you and your steadfast
love, and those times when your wisdom was manifest in us. Let us praise you
and thank you so that in the days to come our capacity to trust grows and our
capacity to listen to your wisdom can flourish in us, through Jesus Christ our
Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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