17 December 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Thursday 17
December 2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalm
106: 1– 24
The psalmist begins
praising God and marvelling at God’s faithful love and great deeds. He then
charges that we like the people of the past – from the Exodus to the time of
Aaron – go astray.
Isaiah 21
Isaiah utters prophesies
about Babylon, Edom and Arabia. Babylon will fall. Media will aid Persia in
Babylon’s downfall. The Edomites will have a reprieve and then experience
renewed oppression. In Arabia there will be refugees from the North West region
of Arabia who need assistance from the Dedanite people of the North. Kedar,
also in North Arabia will fall and all her warriors will be few.
Mark 10: 46 – 11: 11
Bartimaeus,
cannot see. He hears Jesus coming, calls out. He persists. When the crowd tell
him Jesus calls, he jumps to his feet and hurries. Jesus asks what he wants and
Bartimaeus asks to see. He is healed and Bartimaeus follows Jesus.
Jesus
begins the entry to Jerusalem. He instructs the disciples to find the colt.
Jesus sits on the colt and rides into Jerusalem. People spread their cloaks or
palm branches on the road before him shouting, “Hosanna” and “Blessed is he who
comes in the name of the Lord”. Jesus goes directly to the temple then stays
the night in Bethany.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Sand castles Cape Le Grand nNtional Park WA L Osburn |
Holy Lord from the beginning you have done marvellous
acts and great deeds. Powers of earth have been overthrown, blindness ended and
a new reign begun. Be with us in all we do today. Help us recognise that all of
us like the people of old go astray. Keep us mindful that all of the things we
rely on – people, countries, armies and rulers fail so that we also remember
that you sent us eternal deliverance and peace through Jesus Christ your Son
our Lord blessed and holy in your name. Amen.
Thursday 17
December 2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalm 106: 25 – 50
The ancient people keep
shifting allegiance and worshipping other gods. They even conduct live
sacrifice of their children. Yet God delivers them, shows compassion. The
psalmist asks for God to gather us in to give thanks, glory and praise to God.
Isaiah 49: 1 – 13
This is a song where
Israel identifies as the servant of the Lord. No matter the outcome, Israel’s
reward is in God. God says that Israel as a servant was not just to restore the
survivors but to be a light to all the nations so that God’s salvation can
reach to whole world. Even though Israel is despised and enslaved it will be
recognised by kings because the Lord has chosen Israel.
The section ends with a
song of praise to the Lord for comforting his people and bringing compassion.
Revelation 19: 1 – 10
John hears a great multitude
singing Hallelujah and praising God. The elders, the living creatures all fall down
and worship God. The noise of the praise and worship is enormous. John is told to write down, “Blessed are
those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb”. John falls to worship
at the feet of the messenger who speaks to him and is rebuked, “Do not do it!”
The messenger indicates equality with us who hold to the testimony of Jesus.
“Worship God!”
Collect for
Evening Prayer
The travellers cross Eucla WA L Osburn |
Holy Lord we give you thanks and praise for your
eternal compassion and deliverance. May we too be your holy people and a light
to all the nations bringing the testimony of Jesus so that our reward will be
in you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy
Spirit in our hearts. Amen.
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