25 November 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 25 November 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 62 and 63

For God my soul waits in silence: my salvation and my hope come from God. All people and things and powers are temporary. God is our rock and fortress and we shall not be shaken. Steadfast love belongs to God.

As a drought-ravaged land seeks water so our souls seek God. God’s love is better than life. God’s love is like a rich feast. Meditating on God causes our souls to sing.

The psalm ends with a plea for personal security.

Zechariah 14: 12 – 21

Zechariah talks of a plague to come on the people (and their animals) who fight against Jerusalem. Those who survive will recognise the King and Lord of Hosts and worship in Jerusalem and keep the Festival of the Booths. The nations that do not go up to worship will experience drought and plague. On that day the bells on horses will be inscribed “Holy to the Lord”. The lowliest cooking vessels in the temple will be sacred to the Lord of hosts and there will be no traders in the house of the Lord.

Mark 1: 40 – 45

A leper comes to Jesus for healing in faith. Jesus sternly warns him to keep the healing quiet and go to the temple, present himself and be recognised as clean then make the appropriate thanks as Moses directed. But the leper tells everyone and therefore Jesus cannot enter a town openly but stays out in the countryside. Still people come to him from everywhere.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Harrietville Vic
2014 L Osburn 

 Loving God, to you we are all precious and holy. Your love is abundant and eternal. Protect us in times of trouble and difficulty. Help us to meditate on you, come willingly into your presence, allow you to be in charge of our lives, be calm and follow your commandments so that we may grow in faith, sing your praise, recognise your presence, experience your joy, and participate in the rich feast of your love through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday 25 November 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 64 and 67

The first psalm is about those who do evil and think no one can see or hear them. God knows. God sees. God will respond. Let the righteous rejoice and take refuge in God.

The second psalm is a blessing. “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us” (v 1). The blessing asks too that our lives be testament to God’s glory. May the whole world sing praise and rejoice.

Wisdom 8: 21 – 9: 18

Solomon asks for God’s wisdom to be with him so that he may learn what is pleasing to God, be wisely guided in his actions, judge the people justly and be worthy of the throne. “Who has learned your counsel, unless you have given wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high?” (v.17).

Revelation 11: 15 - 19

The seventh angel blows the trumpet. Loud voices proclaim that the world is now the Kingdom of God and his Messiah who will reign forever. The 24 elders fall and worship God praising him saying, that now is the time for judging the dead, rewarding all God’s servants and saints great and small, and for destroying those who destroy the earth. Then God’s temple in heaven is opened and the Ark of the Covenant seen within. The noise is like thunder, earthquake and heavy hail.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Harrietville Vic
2014 L Osburn

Holy and mighty God your great love for us abounds. Help us reflect on today. Help us to see where we are in your realm from the beginning of all things to the final coming of your Kingdom: your moment of judgement and reward. Be with us in this moment.

Help us to choose your wisdom and Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us all the days of our lives so that we are welcome in your presence through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.