24 December 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 24 December 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 130, 131 and 133

The first psalm is a lament and recognition of God’s forgiveness and steadfast love. The second describes deep humility: a calmed and quieted soul that waits in trust for the Lord. The third psalm rejoices in family peace and harmony.

Isaiah 28: 14 – 29

Isaiah addresses the scoffers who believe they will be safe from the oncoming invasion for they will lie about their location and hide in another place. They have made a covenant with death. God however, laid a foundation corner stone on Mt Zion: justice is the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line for constructing the sanctuary. So their hiding place will be swept away and trampled. This message should strike terror and be uncomfortable – like sleeping in a bed where the bedclothes are too short and narrow. Isaiah warns the scoffers to stop mocking; it is just making their position worse.

Isaiah uses a parable of farming to explain that God has different methods (like farmers have for different grains or seeds) and after the ploughing and the threshing comes grinding if you want to make flour. God is about to thresh and grind the people.

Galatians 3: 23 – 4: 7

Paul says that before faith came we were bound by the Law to lead us to Christ. We are all God’s children since we are clothed in Christ and our country of origin is irrelevant as is our status. As Christians we are Abraham’s seed and heirs.

When a child is an heir, even if that child owns the whole estate, the child is led by guardians and trustees until a time set by the parent. So we were given the principles and the Law until God sent Jesus, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem all who are under the Law. And God sent the Spirit of the Son into our hearts so that we cry “Abba Father” (Daddy). So we are all not longer slaves but heirs.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Playing together
Busselton WA 2014 L Osburn

God of steadfast love and forgiveness, you wait for us to recognise you, become calm, still and trust so that we are never dismayed. Through the life and death and resurrection of Christ you have ended all divisions and want all your children to live in peace and harmony. We thank you for this great gift, this great honour. Help us every day to be your grown-up offspring and care for your word and its people in ways that glorify and honour you through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday 24 December 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 85

The psalm reminds us all of God’s forgiveness and historical evidence of restoring people of faith. The psalmist asks for quiet to listen to God who will speak peace to the faithful and give salvation. “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other” (v.10).

Isaiah 59: 15b – 21

The Lord looked and saw no one who was delivering justice or intervening on behalf of others. God therefore has put on armour to go into the battle and will repay all enemies their due. And the redeemer will come to Zion to those who repent and God’s Spirit will be put in them and will not depart from their children forever.

Revelation 22: 14 – 21

John reports Jesus as blessing those who wash their clothes and who are ready to enter the city of God. Jesus says he has sent an angel to John with this testimony for the churches: Jesus is the Root and offspring of David and the bright Morning Star.

We are all called to “Come” and freely take the water of life.

John warns that no-one is to change or alter the words in his Revelation.

Jesus says, “Yes, I am coming soon” (v.20). John replies,  “Amen. Come Lord Jesus” and “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen (v.21).

Collect for Evening Prayer

Agricultural Water Tank
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

God of righteousness and peace, you have graciously sent your Son and Holy Spirit to be with us. Open our hearts to your coming this night and to your Spirit so that we may rejoice in awe and wonder, be filled with the water of life and go into your world to deliver justice, righteousness and peace all the days of our lives through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Wishing you all a Joyous and Peaceful Christmas