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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