14 December 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 14 December 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 108 and 109: 20 - 30

The first psalm begins with praising God, giving thanks and acknowledging God’s faithfulness. It moves on to ask for a victory and recognises that if God does not go with us there are no victories.

The portion of the second psalm is a prayer for deliverance “Let them curse, but you will bless”.

Isaiah 10: 33 – 11: 9

God will change the power arrangements on earth. Isaiah uses a metaphor of a tree: shoot will come out of the stump of Jesse (the father of King David). This messianic king will have God’s spirit, wisdom, counsel, knowledge, and delight in God. He will judge with righteousness. His words will strike the earth and his breath will kill the wicked. Wild animals will coexist with meek ones. Poisonous snakes will not hurt children. There will be no hurt or destruction in the holy mountain. Knowledge of God will cover the earth.

Mark 9: 2 - 32

Six days later Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain where they see him transfigured and talking with Moses and Elijah. Peter offers to build three booths for shelter. A cloud comes over the mountain, and a voice says declares Jesus to be God’s son, that they are to listen to him and that God loves Jesus.

Jesus orders the three disciples to say nothing about what they saw. When they come to the larger group they find an argument between scribes and the disciples. The crowd rushes to Jesus. A man with a child who has seizures and falls with foam coming from his mouth, tells Jesus that the disciples were not able to heal this child. As soon as the child comes close he fits again. Jesus asks how long has the condition lasted? The man replies and asks Jesus, if he is able, to heal the boy. Jesus replies that all things are possible for those who believe. The man says he believes and asks for help for his unbelief. The boy is healed and Jesus says it is prayer that has the power to heal this condition – not the skills of the healer.

As the group moves on again Jesus says the Son of Man will be betrayed, killed and rise again.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The river finding its way to the sea
North Queensland from the air
L Osburn

Loving and faithful God you are the source of all victory and deliverance. You have given us Jesus Christ who walked with us on earth, was revealed in the transfiguration, crucifixion and resurrection and will come again as judge and restorer of all. Help us with our unbelief. Remind us that with you, through prayer nothing is impossible so that we pray deeply, and praise you to the highest through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Monday 14 December 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 119: 105 – 128

This psalm is full of powerful one-liners. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”; “You are my hiding place and my shield”; “Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes”; “Truly I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold”.

Isaiah 11: 10 – 12: 6

When the Lord comes the remnant people will return and Israel with Judah will be united. There will be victory over past oppressors and highways through Egypt and to Assyria. God will comfort and save. Isaiah proclaims God’s greatness and encourages us to sing for joy since the Holy One of Israel is in the midst of Zion.

Revelation 15

John then sees seven angels with seven plagues, which will be the last – the wrath of God will be ended. John sees a sea of glass mixed with fire and beside it those who had conquered singing Moses’ ancient hymn to God. Then the temple opens, the seven angels come out, and each is given a bowl of the wrath of God. The temple fills with smoke and no one can enter until the seven plagues of the seven angels are ended.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Beach at the end of the clouds
North Queensland from the air
 L Osburn

God of comfort and mercy you show us visions and futures of restoration and the ending of anger, wrath and plagues.  Help us each and every day to sing your praise and glory and wait with patience for your coming through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Please leave a comment or feedback.