Sunday 7 December 2014

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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