19 December 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 19 December 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 110 and 111

The first psalm is David, who talks of his Lord being one who sits beside God, who defeats the enemies of God, whose rule extends beyond Zion and who, on coronation has priest privileges in the most ancient order of priests.

The second praises God for great deeds, honour, majesty, enduring righteousness and mercy. God has sent us redemption. Respecting God is the beginning of wisdom.

Isaiah 22: 15 – 23: 7

Isaiah prophesies against Shebna the master of the King’s household. He is accused of being too proud and will be cast aside violently. Eliakim will succeed him and be father to Jerusalem.

Isaiah prophesies against Tyre which will be destroyed by the sea. The ships coming from Tarshish will have no place to anchor there. Those countries who trade through Tyre will be in anguish

Mark 11: 27 – 12: 12

In the temple Jesus’s authority to teach is questioned. Jesus answers with a question (which was the standard method of debate). Jesus asks whether they think John’s baptism was from heaven or from men? The chief priests, preachers of the Law and elders answered, “We don’t know”. Jesus then refuses to tell them his authorisation.

Jesus tells the parable of the man who built a vineyard with a watchtower, put people in charge and went away. He sends a servant to collect some fruit from the tenants. The servant is beaten and sent away empty-handed. A second they beat and send away. The third they kill. He sends many others – some they beat and some they kill. He eventually sends his son, thinking they will respect his son. Instead, they think they will be able to inherit the vineyard for themselves so they kill the son and dispose of his body.

What will the owner do? He will come and kill the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Jesus finishes by quoting a psalm that the stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.

The chief priests, preachers of the Law and elders know Jesus is speaking about them. On one hand they want to arrest him and on they other they are afraid of the crowd, so they leave.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Crop of tomatoes
Armadale WA   L Osburn

Holy and almighty God we thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and high priest to us. Keep us humble and clear about our role in your plans for this world, guided by you and authorised by Christ. Help us to be productive for you and to bring to you glory, thanks, honour and praise all our days through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Saturday 19 December 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 112 and 113

The first psalm proclaims that the righteous and faithful, who give generously and stand firm against fear and opposition, will receive good things and good reputations.

The second psalm praises God especially for responding to those who are humble and poor and bringing them to sit with princes. There is no other god like this.

Isaiah 50

Exiled Israel has been punished for unfaithfulness to God. God power has not been diminished yet they act as if it has.

This is the third servant song. The servant has been given the skills of a teacher sustaining the weary with a word. Yes the servant is rejected, punished and insulted. God helps the servant be firm. The servant welcomes challenge knowing that God defends. Few fear the Lord and follow what the servant says instead they are firebrands. The result is they will receive torment.

Revelation 20: 1 – 10

An angel comes with the key to the Abyss and chains the dragon (the devil or Satan) and seals the Abyss for 1000 years.

On thrones are those who lost their lives for their testimony of Jesus and the word of God. They are part of the first resurrection, they will be priests for God and come to life for the 1000 years and stay alive. The rest are resurrected later.

When the 1000 years are over Satan will be released, deceive the nations and gather them for battle. Fire come from heaven and devours them. The devil, who deceives them is thrown into the lake of burning sulphur.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Anchor on the fishing boat
Fremantle harbour   L Osburn

Holy and wonderful Lord you give us a vision of the time to come when your faithful are your priests. Help us hear the word of your beloved Son and serve you here on earth faithful against the opposition knowing that you stand with us through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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