24 November 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 24 November 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 56 and 57

The first psalm speaks of trust in God who is our salvation and who is with us when we fear the actions of other people. It ends in praise and commitment to faith.

The second psalm again is an appeal for aid against enemies who are compared to lions. The psalm shifts to praise. The psalmist wakes each morning to sing God’s praise, to uplift the soul and to ask God to be exalted in the world: to let God’s glory shine.

Zechariah 14: 1 – 11

This part of the oracle tells of a time when Jerusalem is attacked and half the people killed. The images are of cataclysmic changes to the landscape – a valley through the Mount of Olives, a river flowing east and west from Jerusalem, a plain where there are now hills and continuous day. God intervenes, is victorious and Jerusalem remains aloft on its mountain, inhabited and never again to face destruction.

Mark 1: 29 – 39

Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law, returning her to health and her identity. People bring to Jesus those who are sick and those possessed with demons. He silences the demons since they would reveal his identity. Before dawn Jesus goes to a deserted place to pray. When his companions find him they say that everyone is searching him for him. Jesus decides to go to neighbouring towns and proclaim the message there since that is his mission.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Path
Albany WA 2014 L Osburn

Holy and mighty Lord you are with us always in times when we are besieged and in times of cataclysmic change. You are the one who makes the path to safety. Help us hear the message your Son came to proclaim and open our hearts and souls and minds to you so that we may be part of your coming kingdom, through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Monday 24 November 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 60 and 61

The disaster has struck. The people of the country are suffering. As a result attention to God has increased for some who rally like those joining together behind a banner. This psalm is an appeal to God to be with us in the challenge ahead. The psalm ends with “With God we shall do valiantly” (v12).

The second psalm is a prayer for protection. God is describes as a rock, a shelter, a hiding place and a great bird under whose wings we are protected.

Wisdom 5: 5 – 18

The first section continues the statement of remorse of the ungodly and unrighteous in eloquent terms. The things they thought mattered vanish like the flight path of a bird. The hopes of the ungodly are as ephemeral as: thistledown on the wind, light frost before a storm, smoke before a wind and, the remembrance of a guest who only stays a day.

Revelation 11: 1 - 14

In the vision, John is given a measuring staff to measure the temple, altar and those who worship. He is not to measure the outer courts that are for people of all nations. God grants two witnesses authority to prophesy. Two olive trees and two lampstands represent these two witnesses (Zechariah 4:3).  Consuming fire destroys anyone who attempts to harm the witnesses. The witnesses have to power to bring droughts and plagues. When the witnesses complete their testimony they are conquered and killed by the beast from the bottomless pit. Their bodies lie for three and a half days in the street. People gloat and celebrate their destruction but God breathes life into them. They  ascend to heaven. An earthquake follows and many die. The rest give glory to God. The second woe is now passed.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Fall of white roses
Harrietville Vic 2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord God of power and might. You know our circumstances, our troubles and our hearts. You are the one permanent thing from age to age. Be with us this night and assist us as we pray to hand our concerns and fears to you knowing that there is no conqueror but you, so that we can experience your solace and your abundant love through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.