31 December 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 31 December 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 83:1 – 8 (9 – 18)

This plea for protection from enemies comes at a time when Israel is under attack from all the neighbouring peoples. The enemies are enemies of God, making a covenant against God. Direct action from God is requested so that the enemies will come to know the reality and presence of God.

Isaiah 31

Those who seek help from Egypt but do not look to God will be full of woe. Those who come to help will stumble and those who called for help will fall. Isaiah compares the enemy to a great lion unafraid of the shepherds who come against it. This is the Lord’s battle and God will shield Jerusalem. Isaiah wants the people to return to God and reject idols. Assyria will fall – they will panic before the sight of the greater enemy.

John 2: 13 – 25

Jesus goes to Capernaum with his family and the disciples. At Passover he goes to the temple in Jerusalem and banishes those selling animals and doves and the moneychangers from the temple court. This is a fulfilment of prophecy. Jesus is asked for a sign to establish his authority for his actions he replies that the temple will be destroyed and raised again in 3 days. They protest that it has taken many years to build the structure – they do not know he is talking about is body. While he is in Jerusalem many believe in him because of the signs he does. But Jesus didn’t allow himself to be caught in celebrity.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Cape Le Grand National Park WA
2014 L Osburn

Holy Lord, we thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus. As we go about our tasks in this world full of challenge, remind us to rely on you and call on you so that we may make wise choices based on your presence, your care and your Holy Spirit in our hearts through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday 31 December 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalm 11

The psalmist disputes the claim one should run from enemies. The psalmist will stand firm. He says that if the foundation collapses, then all are powerless. The psalmist trusts in the Lord – the firm foundation.

Isaiah 65: 17 – 25

A new heaven and earth is about to be created where the conditions of the past will be forgotten. There will be gladness and joy. Babies born will live full lives. Humans will live to at least 100. People will have houses, their own crops and not be exploited. The children will not be born into lives of calamity. Before people call on God, God will hear and answer. All creatures will live in peace – except the serpent – its food will be dust. On God’s holy mountain there will be no hurt or destruction.

Luke 21: 25 – 36

When the Son of man is about to return there will be signs in the sun, moon, stars, nations and roaring seas and waves. People will faint with fear and foreboding. When these things start, stand up, lift up your heads for redemption is coming. Consider the fig tree. We know summer is coming by the sprouts.  This generation will not pass away until this occurs and Jesus’s words will never pass away.  So be on guard that your hearts are not weighed down with worry, dissipation or drunkenness – be ready and not caught in a trap. Be alert and pray that you may have the strength to escape all the things to come and to stand before God.

Collect for Evening Prayer

New rose
Mulwala NSW 2014 L Osburn

Holy mighty loving magnificent God we give you thanks for this year. Stay by our side in the year to come so that we may stand firm in faith and hope and love no matter what conditions we are about to experience and can build your kingdom of love and compassion and joy through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.