24 December 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Thursday 24 December 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 130, 131 and 133

The first psalm is a lament and recognition of God’s forgiveness and steadfast love. The second describes deep humility: a calmed and quieted soul that waits in trust for the Lord. The third psalm rejoices in family peace and harmony.

Isaiah 27: 2 – 13

Isaiah is to sing comparing God’s people to fruitful vineyard that God watches and waters so that it is unharmed. The people are lukewarm to God. If they were opposed, God could weed them out or have them come for refuge and let them make peace.

There are days ahead when Israel will blossom. Israel has not been destroyed. There have been wars and exiles but no total destruction. The altars and places of worship to other gods will be destroyed and Jerusalem will be desolate. Then the Lord will thresh the length of the land and those who were perishing and exiled in other lands will come home and worship God on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.

Galatians 3: 23 – 4: 7

Paul says that before faith came we were bound by the Law to lead us to Christ. We are all God’s children since we are clothed in Christ and our country of origin is irrelevant as is our status. As Christians we are Abraham’s seed and heirs.

When a child is an heir, even if that child owns the whole estate, the child is led by guardians and trustees until a time set by the parent. So we were given the principles and the Law until God sent Jesus, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem all who are under the Law. And God sent the Spirit of the Son into our hearts so that we cry “Abba Father” (Daddy). So we are all not longer slaves but heirs.

Collect for Morning Prayer

In the vineyard
Gasped Vic   L Osburn

God of our souls, our lives, our very being, you have saved us, forgiven us and restored us through Christ. May we today experience that watchful anticipation of your coming in glory and be calm and quiet in our watching and waiting for you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thursday 24 December 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 85

The psalm reminds us all of God’s forgiveness and historical evidence of restoring people of faith. The psalmist asks for quiet to listen to God who will speak peace to the faithful and give salvation. “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other” (v.10).

Isaiah 33: 17 – 22

Isaiah prophesies that we will see the king in his beauty. We will think about the terror and oppression and wonder for it is no more. Our eyes will see the eternal city of peace. There the lord dwells: our judge, ruler and king.

Revelation 22: 14 – 21

John reports Jesus as blessing those who wash their clothes and who are ready to enter the city of God. Jesus says he has sent an angel to John with this testimony for the churches: Jesus is the Root and offspring of David and the bright Morning Star.

We are all called to “Come” and freely take the water of life.

John warns that no-one is to change or alter the words in his Revelation.

Jesus says, “Yes, I am coming soon” (v.20). John replies,  “Amen. Come Lord Jesus” and “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen (v.21).

Collect for Evening Prayer

Fledgling King Parrot about to be fed
Harrietville Vic   L Osburn

Holy and gracious Lord you gave us the Prince of Peace. Help us today to focus on the miracle of Christ and the salvation he brings so that we diminish all terror, remove all oppression and come to you as you came to us, tiny, humble and meek through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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