5 January 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 5 January 2015

Morning Prayer

Psalms 15 and 16

The first psalm lists the moral characteristics of people who are permitted in the temple. People who tell the truth, care for their neighbour and behave ethically.

The second psalm praises and blesses God and delights in the faithful. The psalmist commits to support people of faith and uses personal testimony of how God has enriched his life.

Isaiah 35

When the Lord comes the world will be utterly transformed. The wilderness will blossom. Where there is dry earth there will be springs. The weak-kneed and fearful hearts will be strengthened. God will come to save us. The blind will see, the lame leap and the mute shout for joy. For the holy there will be a preserved way – like a highway – straight to the holy city where everlasting joy will crown their heads and sorrow will flee.

John 4: 13 – 26

Jesus says to the Samaritan woman at the well that those who thirst and drink will be thirsty again but those who drink the living water Christ gives will have a spring of water that wells to eternal life. The woman asks for this water. Christ tells her to get her husband. She replies that she has none and Christ tells of her past pain and current situation. She recognises him as a prophet and discusses the controversy about where to worship God. Jesus says a time is coming when we will worship God in spirit and in truth – not on a hill or in a single city. She says she knows the Messiah will come who will explain everything. Jesus reveals himself to her as Messiah. “I who speak to you am he” (v.26).

Collect for Morning Prayer

Bud and rose
Harrietville Vic 2014 LOsburn

God of transformation we long for your touch in our lives and world to bring peace, joy and freedom. Refresh us now with your living water so that our hearts can leap for joy and we have the courage to do your will today, now through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Monday 5 January 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 17: 1 – 13 (14) 15 - 16

The psalmist is a faithful and devout person who has been beset by wicked enemies. God’s protection and care is requested. God is asked to overthrow the wickedness. The psalmist wants relationships restored: him with God, the people with God and with him.

Isaiah 66: 1 – 11

For God heaven is the throne and earth the footstool so a building is not God’s home. What God requires is a humble and contrite spirit. God does not want us worshipping and sacrificing to idols. God wants us to listen and respond. Restoration, many children of God and comfort awaits.

Ephesians 3: 14 – 21

Paul prays that the Ephesians be strengthened through the presence of Christ’s spirit in their hearts, be grounded in love and have the capacity to know how wide, long, high and deep is the love of Christ for us. Paul prays that this love that surpasses all knowledge enables us to be filled with God. To Christ be the glory forever. Amen.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Wide, wide as the oceans, high as the heavens above...
The Southern Ocean from the Nullabor Plain SA
2014 LOsburn

God of the widest, longest, highest and deepest love we thank you. Be with us now as we contemplate how huge your love for us is and to tell our troubles and concerns how much our God loves us so that we review our priorities and our perspective and allow your restoration to be manifest in our hearts through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.