18 December 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 18 December 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 107: 1 – 22

Whether we are lost in a dry place, imprisoned in darkness and gloom or sick we are encouraged to “cry to the Lord whose steadfast love endures forever”. Give thanks.

Isaiah 22: 1 – 14

The people are celebrating that they have escaped an invasion. There is another to come and while they may do major engineering works to fortify the city they are not regarding God who made the city possible. Further when God called a day of repentance instead the people were joyful and festive. Indeed well may they eat and drink for tomorrow they will die.

Mark 11: 12 – 26

In the morning, Jesus is hungry and sees a fig tree full of leaves (it looks like it is productive). There are no figs. Jesus says, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again”, and moves on.

He goes to the temple and drives out the merchants. He quotes Isaiah about God’s house being one of prayer for all nations. Instead the merchants had made it a den of robbers. The chief priests and teachers of the Law fear him and plan how to kill him. Meanwhile, his teaching amazes the people.

The next morning Jesus and the disciples pass the fig tree again. It had withered from its roots.

Jesus talks about the power of prayer that is aligned to belief. Pray and believe you have received what has been asked for and it will be yours. When praying forgive others so that God may forgive you.

Collect for Morning Prayer

One chocolate tart....
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

Holy and generous God you hear our prayers when we call and ask us to give thanks to you with humility for all the things we have. Help us to be productive today and to so believe in you that we act in ways that show our faithfulness and knowledge that our prayers are answered through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Friday 18 December 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 107: 23 – 43

The psalmist recalls some of God’s saving and restoring actions – saving sailors and bringing rain to the desert. We are reminded that faithfulness leads to hope, and pride leads to being brought low. We are to call on the Lord for our great provision.

Isaiah 49: 14 – 26

“I have inscribed you in the palms of my hand” (v. 16). Those who build you up outnumber those who destroy. The ruined Jerusalem will be full of people God is our saviour, redeemer and mighty one.

Revelation 19: 11 – 21

John sees heaven open revealing a white horse whose rider’s name is “Faithful and True”. The rider has blazing eyes, many crowns, a secret name and a robe dipped in blood. His name is “The Word of God”. The armies of heaven follow also on white horses. He has has a sword and iron sceptre – the horse treads the wine press of God’s fury and wrath. On the rider’s thigh is written “King of King and Lord of Lords”.

John sees an angel standing in the sun calling all to come to the great supper of God which is of all the flesh of Kings, generals, mighty men, horses, riders and the flesh of all people.

Battle is joined with the beast, the false prophet and all those that fight for them. The beast and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of burning sulphur. The rest are killed.

Collect for Evening Prayer

We are more precious that flowers
Harrietville Vic   L Osburn

Holy Lord you are indeed our saviour, redeemer and mighty one. Help us this night to accept your loving care for us – that you have inscribed us in the palms of your hands – so that we remain faithful and true to you and to your word made flesh, Jesus Christ that we too may be called to your presence through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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