Wednesday 9 December 2015

10 December 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 


Thursday 10 December 2015 
Morning Prayer

Psalms 92 and 93

In the first psalm God’s faithfulness and steadfast love is praised. On this occasion enemies have failed in some other place and are no more. Everything has been restored. The righteous people prosper.

In the second psalm God’s greatness is praised – more powerful than floods, more powerful than the seas. God’s commandments are sure and God lives in holiness.

Isaiah 45: 9 – 25

Isaiah delivers God’s message: a piece of pot doesn’t question the potter – especially not a broken piece among all the other broken pieces. We don’t say to parents, “What creature are you having?” So don’t question God about God’s children, how God works or tell God how to do things. This is the creator of the universe. God says that Jerusalem will be rebuilt through the agency of Cyrus the Assyrian invader. Produce and people will come from across the kingdom and recognise God as the only God.

God does not manifest in idols: God hides. God has a track record of speaking the truth. So we are to gather together the fugitives, show them that God speaks the truth, that there is only one God who is righteous and saves. God has uttered the word and at God’s word every knee will bow and every tongue swear that in the Lord alone are righteousness and strength. All who rage against God will be put to shame.

Mark 8: 1 – 13

Jesus, still in the area of the Decapolis has a crowd who have been with him for three days. In compassion he asks the disciples what food they have – seven loaves and a few small fish. Jesus gives thanks, breaks it and feeds the 4000 men.

Jesus and the disciples cross the sea by boat. Pharisees question him and ask for a sign. Jesus sighs. He asks why this generation asks for “a sign”; no sign will be given to it.

Collect for Morning Prayer


The water tank
Armadale WA   L Osburn
O God our potter, our creator, source of righteousness and strength, you have compassion for us and feed us with your love. Each time we are puzzled today about what is going on in the world, help us to trust you and to remember that we will never find you in a gadget, a thing, an ideology, or in human made power. Help us to know your truth so that we bow to you only and see all the signs of your love and presence around us and rejoice through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.





Thursday 10 December 2015
Evening Prayer

Psalm 94

The psalmist calls people to remember that God does can and will act for the righteous. We are all reminded that nothing is hidden from God who formed all ears, all types of eyes. Will God not be able to see or hear what we are up to? The psalmist writes that disciplined believers are blessed, that the Lord is there for them and consoles. The Lord helps.

Isaiah 9: 2 - 17

Isaiah announces the coming of one who will bring great light to the people living in darkness. All enemies will fall, oppression will cease and war will end. For a child is born who will rule and be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government will be everlasting.

Before that time, there will continue to be destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Samaria. The elders, prominent people and prophets lead the people astray. They may think things are about to get better; instead things will get worse for those who are astray.

2 Thessalonians 3

Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for him and his companions – that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and that they are delivered from evil people. Paul prays that the Thessalonians’ hearts will be directed into God’s love and perseverance.

Paul warns the Thessalonians against idleness. All need to work for their food as Paul and his companions did when they were there. If people are idle and busybodies they are to be told to settle down and earn what they eat. All are to never tire of doing what is right. If people do not obey stay away, don’t treat them as enemies but warn them.

Paul blesses the Thessalonians and asks for God’s peace to be with them.


Collect for Evening Prayer

The church
New Norcia Benedictine Community
WA   L Osburn
God of the past, present and future, you are our glorious light and Prince of Peace. Help us in all we do to be disciplined believers, consistent in delivering your message in all we do and say. Keep us responsible and productive and not a burden on anyone. Keep us focused on your way and your will and to use your compassion so that we respect the choices of others even though they are astray. Help us to inform them of another way so that the door is always open for them to make a new decision and feel that when they do, they will be welcome into your household through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.



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