5 December 2014
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Friday 5
December 2014
Morning
Prayer
Psalms 82 and 84
The first psalm sets a scene of God judging all the
other Gods. They lack knowledge or compassion. They will be destroyed. The
psalmist petitions God alone to judge the earth.
A day living in the presence of God is better than
anything imaginable. A journey to God’s dwelling place is filled with
refreshment: “they go from strength to strength” (v. 7).
Isaiah 5: 1 – 17
Isaiah begins a love song about how his beloved had a
vineyard. Stones are dug out, the land cleared, a watchtower built, the
vineyard tended carefully but it yields only wild grapes. What more could be
done? What will be done now? The hedge has to be removed, the vineyard dug up,
there will be no more gardening and it will become overgrown with weeds and
thorns and it will not be watered. Isaiah says this is the house of Israel and
the people of Judah. God expected them to yield justice and righteousness instead
God sees bloodshed and people crying out.
Mark 6: 1 – 13
Jesus, in his hometown is not considered special even
though his teaching at the synagogue is astoundingly good. They see he had been
given wisdom and power yet trivialise him because he comes from their town.
Jesus heals people there but can do no great deeds of power. Jesus keeps on
teaching in villages. He then sends out the twelve disciples in pairs with
authority to heal those with unclean spirits. They are to go as they are,
accept hospitality, be peaceful no matter what happens and let go of any
slights – not carrying the experiences of last village into the next village –
dusting it off before leaving. The disciples go out teaching repentance,
casting out demons, anointing people and healing them.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
New Eggplant (aubergine) in the garden St Andrew's by the Lake Mulwala NSW 2014 L Osburn |
Friday 5 December
2014
Evening
Prayer
Psalms 85 and 87
The first 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).
The second psalm is of praise for Zion, the mother
city of believers everywhere. It is the basis for the hymn “Glorious things of
you are spoken, Zion city of our God.”
Isaiah 42: 1 – 17
This section of Isaiah is called the first Servant
Song. God chooses the servant. God’s spirit is in the servant. The servant won’t
be a celebrity, nor will the servant break someone who is bruised or quench the
spirit of someone whose flame is dim. The servant will steadily bring forth
justice and won’t cease until it occurs. The Lord chooses the servant as a
covenant to all people: to be the light of the nations, open the eyes of the
blind and free people from the prison of darkness. This power goes to the
servant not to any idols. So we should sing to the Lord a new song and praise
God. God will turn everything on it head and put all idols to shame.
1
Thessalonians 4: 1 – 12
Paul
urges purity in living since we have the Holy Spirit within. We are not to
exploit others because we have lustful passions but to control our own bodies
in holiness and honour. We are to love our fellow sisters and brothers in
Christ and do more: to live quietly, mind our own affairs, work with our own
hands and become self-sufficient.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Young Kookaburra Lake Mulwala NSW 2014 L Osburn |
Holy and
loving God you speak peace and salvation to us and teach us how to serve you so
that we can see and be freed from darkness and give that gift to others. Help
us now to reflect on our day and praise you for the times we chose quiet,
worked with our hands, were self-sufficient, controlled ourselves and honoured
you so that tomorrow we can continue serving you and steadily bring forth
justice and your peace through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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