8 December 2014
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Monday 8
December 2014
Morning
Prayer
Psalm 89: 1 – 18
This section of the psalm praises God for faithfulness
and steadfastness in all generations, for the creation of the earth and the
victory over chaos. Happy are the people who sing praises and walk in God’s
pathway.
Isaiah 7: 1 – 17
In the time of King Ahaz, an alliance is made between
Aram (Syria) and Ephraim to take Jerusalem. Isaiah is told to meet with Ahaz
and comfort him. God offers to give Ahaz a sign but Ahaz refuses saying that he
will not put God to the test. Isaiah expresses frustration – that Ahaz wearies
mortals and now he wearies God. Isaiah gives Ahaz the sign that a young woman
will conceive and bear a son whose name is Emanuel – god is with us. And before
that child knows right from wrong Aram and Ephraim will have already been
deserted and Jerusalem will go through times like her occupation by Assyria.
Mark 6: 30 – 56
The apostles return to Jesus telling him all they have done. He instructs them to come away from the crowds and rest a while in a
deserted place. Crowds follow. Jesus ministers to them. The disciples note the
time and that no one has eaten and there is no place to get food. Checking what
the disciples have there is five loaves and 2 fish. Jesus organises the crowd
divides the food, feeds them and they collect 12 baskets of leftover food. The
disciples depart by boat and Jesus goes up a hill to pray. Later on the sea,
straining at the oars in rough conditions they see Jesus coming towards them
walking on the water. He reassures them, gets in the boat then land at
Gennesaret where more crowds find them and more healing occurs even by touching
the fringe of his cloak.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Pelicans at dawn Denmark WA 2014 L Osburn |
Holy Lord we thank you for your eternal love and for sending
your son to us. His compassion and care, provision and gentleness model a life
of service. Be with us in all we do today. Guide us in every action so that we
too serve as Jesus served and love as you love us through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.
Monday 8 December
2014
Evening
Prayer
Psalm 89: 19 – 38
This section of the psalm states the unalterable
covenant with David and his line forever even if the children violate God’s
laws, the relationship with David will continue.
Isaiah 43: 14 – 44: 5
Babylon is about to be conquered. This is the promise
that God is about to do something new, forgive the people and change the world.
They will not only survive the changes but prosper, be restored and commit
themselves and their children to God.
1
Thessalonians 5: 12 – 28
The
letter ends with the appeal to respect the leaders of the church, be peaceful,
admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak and be patient.
Never repay evil for evil, seek to do good, rejoice always, pray without
ceasing, give thanks in everything, keep the Spirit alive in everyone, value
the words of the prophets, test everything and hang on to what is good. Paul ends
with a blessing.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Abundant tiny daisies Harrretville Vic 2014 L Osburn |
Holy and
wonderful God you promise us a future with you and you have sent us prophets,
teachers and your son. Give us the grace to do your will in every moment of our
lives so that we live fully, abundantly in your love through Jesus Christ our
Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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