19 December 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 19 December 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 110 and 111

The first psalm is David, who talks of his Lord being one who sits beside God, who defeats the enemies of God, whose rule extends beyond Zion and who, on coronation has priest privileges in the most ancient order of priests. 

The second psalm praises God for great deeds, honour, majesty, enduring righteousness and mercy. God has sent us redemption. Respecting God is the beginning of wisdom.

Isaiah 19: 1 – 15

Isaiah prophesies about Egypt. Egypt with have internal strife, their gods and spirits will be of no assistance. The Egyptians will lose heart and a ruthless king will rule. The waters of the Nile will dry up causing havoc for all industries. The officials will be like staggering drunk people and there will be nothing anyone can do about the disaster to come.

Mark 11: 27 – 12: 12

In the temple Jesus’s authority to teach is questioned. Jesus answers with a question (which was the standard method of debate). Jesus asks whether they think John’s baptism was from heaven or from men? The chief priests, preachers of the Law and elders answer, “We don’t know”. Jesus then refuses to tell them his authorisation.

Jesus tells the parable of the man who built a vineyard with a watchtower, put people in charge and went away. He sends a servant to collect some fruit from the tenants. The servant is beaten and sent away empty-handed. A second they beat and send away. The third they kill. He sends many others – some they beat and some they kill. He eventually sends his son, thinking they will respect his son. Instead, they think they will be able to inherit the vineyard for themselves so they kill the son and dispose of his body.

What will the owner do? He will come and kill the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Jesus finishes by quoting a psalm that the stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.

The chief priests, preachers of the Law and elders know Jesus is speaking about them. On one hand they want to arrest him and on they other they are afraid of the crowd, so they leave.

Collect for Morning Prayer

New Grapes Armadale WA
2014 L Osburn

Holy and almighty God we thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord to us. Help us consider what we are doing: are we just lush leaves for show or producing fruit for you? Prepare us and support us so that we may have fruit of your spirit and of our labours to give you when you come through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Friday 19 December 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 112 and 113

The first psalm proclaims that the righteous and faithful, who give generously and stand firm against fear and opposition will receive good things and good reputations.

The second psalm praises God especially for responding to those who are humble and poor and bringing them to sit with princes. There is no other god like this.

Isaiah 56

Maintain justice and do what is right. Everyone who believes in God, keeps the Sabbath and does no evil is welcome to worship at the temple. Their prayers will be heard even the prayers of eunuchs and people from other nations.

But for those who are only concerned for their own consumption and pleasure – may the beasts of the field devour them. Their watchmen are blind.

Revelation 20: 1 – 10

An angel comes with the key to the Abyss and chains the dragon (the devil or Satan) and seals the Abyss for 1000 years.

On thrones are those who lost their lives for their testimony of Jesus and the word of God. They are part of the first resurrection, they will be priests for God and come to life for the 1000 years and stay alive. The rest are resurrected later.

When the 1000 years are over Satan will be released, deceive the nations and gather them for battle. Fire comes from heaven and devours them. The devil, who deceives them is thrown into the lake of burning sulphur.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Green Parrot watching
Armadale WA 2014
L Osburn

Merciful God you want us to be with you and to live lives of justice, righteousness and peace. Help us to reflect on our day and consider at the times we were generous, kept your Laws and were willing to testify about Jesus and your word so that we have sight and are focused on your coming through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.